gaining ground

USAGE SUMMARY

'Gaining ground' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when something is gaining momentum or becoming increasingly successful or popular. Example sentence: "The vegan diet is gaining ground as people become more conscious of animal welfare and health benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Latvia is gaining ground.

The Economist

That view is gaining ground.

The Economist

Greg is gaining ground.

Harvard University

Soy-bean fibre is also gaining ground.

The Economist

But broader brims are gaining ground.

The New York Times

But its admirers are gaining ground.

The Economist

Inflation is slowly gaining ground in America.

The Economist

Perhaps these ideas are gaining ground.

The Economist

But the DA is gaining ground.

The Economist

Still, the idea is gaining ground.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This feeling is gaining ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining ground" to describe a gradual increase in popularity, acceptance, or success. It's often used when there's competition or resistance to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining ground" when describing something that has already achieved widespread success or is experiencing a sudden surge. This phrase implies a gradual, ongoing process of advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., is gaining ground, was gaining ground). It describes an ongoing process of advancement or increasing influence, indicating that something is becoming more successful or popular. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining ground" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the gradual increase in popularity, influence, or success of something. As demonstrated by the numerous examples in Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in academic and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. When using "gaining ground", remember that it implies a slow and steady process of advancement, not a sudden surge. Alternatives like "making headway" or "gathering momentum" can be used to express similar ideas. Avoiding the incorrect form "gaining grounds" will ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gathering momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed or force of the progress.

Making headway

Focuses on the process of overcoming obstacles and moving forward.

Making inroads

Highlights the act of penetrating or making an initial impact.

Advancing steadily

Emphasizes consistent and incremental progress.

On the rise

Indicates an upward trend or increasing prominence.

Progressing rapidly

Highlights the speed of the advancement.

Improving incrementally

Focuses on small, gradual improvements.

Extending reach

Highlights the expansion of influence or scope.

Becoming more popular

Shifts the focus to increasing acceptance or favor.

Increasing in influence

Emphasizes the growing impact or power.

FAQs

How to use "gaining ground" in a sentence?

You can use "gaining ground" to describe something that is gradually becoming more popular or successful. For example, "Renewable energy is "gaining ground" as concerns about climate change increase".

What can I say instead of "gaining ground"?

You can use alternatives like "making headway", "gathering momentum", or "on the rise" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "gaining ground" or "gaining grounds"?

"Gaining ground" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Gaining grounds" is not a standard phrase and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "gaining ground" and "maintaining ground"?

"Gaining ground" implies progress and advancement, while "maintaining ground" suggests holding onto a current position without necessarily improving.