gaining favor

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining favor" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to win approval, gain support, or become popular. Example: The politician's campaign promises were gaining favor among the voters. In this example, "gaining favor" indicates that the politician's statements and actions were causing the voters to support him or her more.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SSL is gaining favor as a secure method of communication.

Next Generation SSH2 Implementation Securing Data in Motion

"These locally manufactured vehicles are gaining favor there," he said.

The New York Times

The trend is gaining favor for a couple of reasons.

The New York Times

EMR for early neoplastic Barrett's esophagus is gaining favor over esophagectomy.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

"The polices that the president has invoked are not gaining favor with the American people".

The New York Times

Boehner said body cameras seem to be gaining favor among police departments nationwide.

The Washington Post

New York's profile is rapidly gaining favor among the global elite.

The New York Times

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is gaining favor as a spinal implant material for interbody and corpectomy cages as well as stabilizing rods.

The Spine Journal

Long a fixture of elementary school classrooms, terrariums have recently begun gaining favor with young design enthusiasts and creative types.

The New York Times

The deaths suggest that self-immolation is gaining favor as a form of political protest for Tibetan clergy.

The New York Times

Chefs point out that vegetables in general are gaining favor as more Americans try to eat healthier.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a trend, quantify its growth if possible. For example, instead of saying 'Online education is gaining favor', say 'Online education is gaining favor, with enrollment increasing by 15% year-over-year'.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining favor" when a subject is actively promoting itself. The phrase implies a passive reception, not an active campaign. For example, instead of "The candidate is gaining favor through aggressive advertising", consider "The candidate is winning support through aggressive advertising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining favor" functions as a verbal phrase often used as part of a predicate to describe a subject experiencing an increase in popularity or acceptance. This usage is supported by Ludwig examples showing various subjects "gaining favor" in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining favor" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the increasing popularity or acceptance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. The analysis reveals that "gaining favor" functions primarily to inform about a trend or shift in sentiment, conveying that a subject is becoming more widely approved or liked. While alternatives like "becoming popular" or "attracting support" exist, "gaining favor" maintains a neutral register suitable for formal writing. When employing this phrase, be mindful of agency and ensure it aligns with the passive reception implied by its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing in popularity

Stresses the gradual increase in public appeal.

becoming popular

Focuses on increasing popularity among a general audience.

gaining traction

Indicates forward progress and increasing momentum.

winning approval

Highlights the act of receiving endorsement or agreement.

attracting support

Emphasizes the action of drawing in backing or assistance.

finding acceptance

Suggests a gradual process of being received positively.

rising in prominence

Implies an ascent in importance or visibility.

taking hold

Suggests something is becoming firmly established or accepted.

becoming established

Highlights the process of setting something firmly in place.

developing a following

Focuses on building a base of supporters or enthusiasts.

FAQs

How can I use "gaining favor" in a sentence?

You can use "gaining favor" to describe something that is becoming more popular or accepted. For example, "The new policy is "gaining favor" among employees" or "Renewable energy sources are "gaining favor" as concerns about climate change increase".

What's a simple way to rephrase "gaining favor"?

A simpler way to rephrase "gaining favor" is to use phrases like "becoming popular" or "attracting support". These alternatives convey a similar meaning in a more straightforward manner.

What is the difference between "gaining favor" and "winning favor"?

"Gaining favor" suggests a gradual increase in popularity or acceptance, while "winning favor" implies a more active or deliberate effort to obtain approval or support. While similar, "winning favor" carries a stronger connotation of direct action.

Is "gaining favor" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "gaining favor" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral and widely understood phrase that can be used in various professional and academic contexts to describe increasing acceptance or popularity. However, consider the specific context to ensure it fits the overall tone.