gaining confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining confidence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about building your self-esteem or increasing your capabilities. For example, "My daughter is slowly but surely gaining confidence in her social skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Kaká was certainly gaining confidence," Dunga said.

The New York Times - Sports

Boozer, a sophomore, is also gaining confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, he felt himself making progress and gaining confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm gaining confidence, seeing the bone is completely healed.

The New York Times - Sports

I am gaining confidence and really enjoying it".

The Guardian - Sport

She's gotten positive feedback and is gaining confidence and skills.

The New York Times

And the Rangers are gaining confidence in Cloutier.

The New York Times - Sports

Iraq's government is gaining confidence faster than competence.

The Economist

Despite the polls, Miliband seems to be gaining confidence.

The Guardian

And then, gaining confidence, he nailed the chorus.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was gaining confidence at work and managing large teams of people.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process of improvement, pair "gaining confidence" with specific actions or achievements to illustrate the source of increased self-assurance.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining confidence" when the situation doesn't clearly demonstrate progress or improvement. Be sure there is evident support for the assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining confidence" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of increasing self-assurance or competence. It describes the act of acquiring a stronger belief in one's abilities, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples of individuals, teams, and even governments "gaining confidence".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining confidence" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the ongoing process of increasing self-assurance or competence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, including news, business, and science. The phrase functions primarily as a verb phrase, serving to describe positive development or improvement. It maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. To enhance clarity, pairing "gaining confidence" with specific actions or achievements is advisable. While generally safe to use, avoid overstating confidence gains without evident support. Related phrases like ""building self-assurance"" or "developing competence" can provide alternative nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

building self-assurance

Focuses on the internal feeling of certainty and belief in oneself.

developing competence

Emphasizes the growth of skills and abilities.

growing in conviction

Highlights the strengthening of one's beliefs or opinions.

increasing certainty

Underscores the reduction of doubt and the rise in sureness.

fostering self-belief

Implies nurturing a sense of trust in one's own abilities.

enhancing self-esteem

Concentrates on improving one's overall sense of self-worth.

advancing proficiency

Stresses the progress in skill or expertise.

cultivating assurance

Suggests a deliberate effort to develop a sense of certainty.

strengthening resolve

Highlights the reinforcement of determination and firmness of purpose.

acquiring poise

Focuses on gaining composure and graceful self-assurance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gaining confidence" in a sentence?

Use "gaining confidence" to describe a gradual process of improvement in skills, abilities, or self-perception. For example, "After each successful presentation, she started "building self-assurance" and spoke more clearly".

What are some alternatives to "gaining confidence"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like ""building self-assurance"", "developing competence", or "growing in conviction".

Is it correct to say "gaining confidence in" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For instance, "The team is gaining confidence in their ability to win the championship".

What is the difference between "gaining confidence" and "being confident"?

"Gaining confidence" describes a process of becoming more self-assured, while "being confident" refers to a state of already possessing a high level of self-assurance. "Building self-assurance is a journey, while "fostering self-belief" is an achieved state".