gaining pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining pace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that something is happening more quickly or with more intensity. For example, "The storm was gaining pace and the wind was howling louder and louder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 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

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

Independent

"It has an amazing presence and feels like it is gaining pace all the time," said our panel.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 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

LVMH (Louis Vuitton-Moët hasnessy) has witnessed a similar slowdown, which has gained pace since the collapse of Lehman Brothers last year.

The Guardian - Business

Benjamin Netanyahu is also under pressure as a result of several overlapping corruption investigations, which have gained pace in recent weeks.

The Guardian

But it is likely to gain pace, not least because new models and forms of financing start-ups are also being developed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining pace" to describe situations where progress or momentum is visibly increasing, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. For example, "The project is gaining pace as we approach the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "gaining pace" to describe situations that are already at their peak or are not showing any increase in momentum. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "The race was gaining pace" when the race had already reached its fastest point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining pace" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in conjunction with a subject to indicate that something is increasing in speed, intensity, or momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining pace" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe an increase in speed, intensity, or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "gaining pace", ensure it accurately reflects an accelerating process and consider alternatives like "accelerating" or "gathering momentum" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gathering momentum

Highlights the increasing force or impetus behind a movement or process.

accelerating

Focuses on the increase in speed, suggesting a quicker rate of change.

picking up speed

Emphasizes the increase in velocity, often used in a literal sense.

gathering speed

Similar to "picking up speed", but can also be used metaphorically.

gaining ground

Suggests progress or advancement, especially in a competitive context.

building up steam

Indicates a gradual increase in energy or intensity.

ramping up

Implies a deliberate effort to increase production or activity.

escalating

Focuses on the increase in intensity or severity of a situation.

intensifying

Highlights the increase in strength or degree of something.

quickening

Emphasizes the acceleration of a process or activity.

FAQs

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

"Gaining pace" is used to describe something that is increasing in speed, momentum, or intensity. For example: "The recovery of the economy is "gaining pace"."

What are some alternatives to "gaining pace"?

Alternatives to "gaining pace" include "accelerating", "gathering momentum", or "picking up speed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "gaining pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "gaining pace" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a common and well-understood phrase that is suitable for a variety of contexts.

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

While similar, "gaining pace" often refers more directly to speed or rate of progress, whereas "gaining momentum" emphasizes the increasing force or impetus behind the progress. You could use "gathering momentum" to replace "gaining pace".