gained pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"gained pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation in which something (often something physical) speeds up or increases its rate. For example, "As the race progressed, the runners' pace gained speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

A separate survey of the smaller services sector showed that activity gained pace in December.

The Guardian

The study of Future-Oriented Technology andlysis (FTA) and how they translate into policy decisions and practice has gained pace in the last decade.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

"It was really getting quite depressing but the transformation has sort of gained pace. "England have made progress in the last 12 months.

Independent

A crackdown on Islamists gained pace after 2008, when officials blamed a radical group for a car bombing in Damascus that killed 17 people.

The New York Times

The accusations followed Armstrong wherever he went, but gained pace in recent years, though Armstrong's last Tour victory continued to fade into the horizon.

The New York Times - Sports

In the food industry, this question has gained pace with the community-focused Slow Food Movement, better supermarket labelling and a favouring of organic produce.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Obamacare enrollment is gaining pace, but still behind projections.

The Washington Post

He accepts that a public backlash is gaining pace.

The Guardian

Movement toward granting legal status to same-sex marriage has been gaining pace around the globe.

The New York Times

Germany are gaining pace and have improved markedly since Mario Gómez was brought into the starting XI.

The Guardian - Sport

As London gears up to weather another Tube strike, misconceptions about the strikers – and their industrial action – are gaining pace.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gained pace" when you want to emphasize that something has not just started, but has also increased in speed or intensity. For example, "The investigation gained pace as new evidence emerged."

Common error

Avoid using "gained pace" when you mean "set the pace". "Gained pace" implies an increase in speed, while "set the pace" means to establish the initial speed or standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained pace" typically functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something has increased in speed, intensity, or rate of progress. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gained pace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies an increase in speed, intensity, or rate of progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While there are related phrases like "accelerated" and "picked up speed", it's crucial to avoid confusing it with phrases like "set the pace". The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various writing styles and purposes. With high usage frequency and clear communicative function, "gained pace" remains a valuable tool for expressing acceleration and intensification in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accelerated

Focuses on the speeding up aspect.

gathered momentum

Suggests an increase in the driving force or energy.

picked up speed

Highlights the increase in velocity.

intensified

Emphasizes the increasing strength or force.

progressed rapidly

Indicates swift advancement or development.

moved faster

A simpler way to express increased speed.

advanced swiftly

Highlights quick and efficient progress.

escalated quickly

Focuses on the rapid increase in intensity or scale.

developed quickly

Suggests rapid growth or evolution.

rushed forward

Emphasizes the speed and direction of advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "gained pace" in a sentence?

You can use "gained pace" to describe how something speeds up or becomes more intense over time. For example, "The project "gained pace" after the new funding was approved."

What are some alternatives to "gained pace"?

Alternatives to "gained pace" include "accelerated", "picked up speed", or "gathered momentum", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gained up pace"?

No, it's not correct. The correct phrase is "gained pace". The word 'up' is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "gained pace" and "gained momentum"?

"Gained pace" typically refers to an increase in speed or rate, while "gained momentum" implies an increase in the driving force or energy behind something. While similar, "gained momentum" often suggests a broader sense of progress and influence.