gaining impetus

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining impetus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something is gaining momentum, increasing or strengthening with time. For example, "The discussion of environmental rights is gaining impetus as more people become aware of the issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The move prompted fears that a crackdown on civil rights was gaining impetus.

Independent

Even when the music changes or hushes, the dance keeps gaining impetus while never losing its sense of pulse.

The New York Times - Arts

Button passed the fading Rosberg on lap 45 while Webber's stunning recovery drive was really gaining impetus as he took Alonso for sixth on lap 46.

Independent

During the second half of the 19th century, Marseille was expanded as the "port of empire," gaining impetus from the elimination of the Barbary pirates (1815 35), the conquest of Algeria (1830), and the inauguration of the Suez Canal (1869).

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the FTSE 100 finished 53.05 points lower at 6773.28, with the decline gaining impetus after US markets opened, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down more than 150 points or nearly 1% by the time London traders made their way home.

The Guardian - Business

Laser technology is gaining impetus in garment finishing which can produce various surface ornamentations without any wet processing.

Fashion and Textiles

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Yesterday they struggled against Davis Love and Stewart Cink as the American fightback gained impetus and volume.

The Guardian - Sport

During Stephen's brief pontificate the general church reform begun by Leo gained impetus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The move gained impetus after the bombings in 1998 of two American Embassies in East Africa.

The New York Times

Codification literature gained impetus by the beginning of the 11th century.

Britannica

In recent times, research for biological markers of frailty has gained impetus.

Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "gaining impetus" with specific descriptions of what is fueling the increase in momentum, such as "gaining impetus from recent research" or "gaining impetus due to increased public awareness".

Common error

Avoid using "gaining impetus" in contexts where the subject is losing energy or slowing down. "Impetus" inherently implies forward motion, so using it in a situation of decline creates a contradictory and confusing statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining impetus" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is increasing in force or momentum. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase the phrase in contexts where a movement, process, or idea is becoming more powerful or influential.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining impetus" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something increasing in force or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While not extremely common, it is a valuable phrase for expressing the growth and strengthening of a process or idea. Be mindful to use it where the subject is moving forward, not slowing down, and leverage it to add a layer of causal explanation for the mentioned growth. Consider alternatives like "gathering momentum" or "picking up speed" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathering momentum

This alternative highlights the accumulation of force or speed over time.

gathering force

Emphasizes the increase in power or strength.

picking up speed

This suggests an increase in velocity or rate of progress.

gathering pace

Similar to picking up speed, indicating an increase in the rate of progress.

building up steam

Implies that something is becoming more powerful or intense.

gaining traction

Focuses on the increasing acceptance or popularity of an idea or movement.

escalating rapidly

Suggests a fast and significant increase in intensity or scale.

becoming more pronounced

This alternative suggests an increase in visibility or clarity.

on the rise

Indicates an upward trend or increase in prevalence.

taking hold

Implies that something is becoming established or dominant.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining impetus" to describe something that is growing stronger or more popular. For example, "The environmental movement is "gaining impetus" as more people become aware of climate change".

What's a good alternative to "gaining impetus"?

Alternatives to "gaining impetus" include "gathering momentum", "picking up speed", or "building up steam", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "losing impetus"?

While grammatically valid, "losing impetus" can sound awkward. It's generally better to say "losing momentum" or "slowing down" to more clearly convey the idea of something decreasing in force or speed.

What is the difference between "gaining impetus" and "gaining momentum"?

"Gaining impetus" emphasizes the driving force behind a movement or change, while "gaining momentum" focuses on the increasing speed or rate of progress. Although they are similar, ""gaining impetus"" suggests a reason or cause for the growth, while "gaining momentum" just implies a process picking up speed.