gaining purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining purchase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of obtaining a foothold or advantage in a situation, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After several attempts, the climber finally found a ledge, gaining purchase on the steep rock face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Someone who has spent a good portion of her life gaining purchase has suddenly been asked to sell something, and she seems to find it slightly beneath her.

The New Yorker

But the trucks that were to transport them away had trouble gaining purchase on the still clogged city streets, leaving the workers no choice but to place the straw against the walls surrounding the playing field.

The New York Times - Books

John kept the rope tight, urging me on until my ice axe slammed into the steep slope and my crampons left the slippery metal, instantly gaining purchase on the ice and ending an intense minute of movement over a gaping crevasse.

The Guardian - Travel

And let's talk the squat: leading poop doctors say you need to really get down on your haunches to align your bowels and allow you to do shits correctly, and I just think something about the angle and placement of the stairs means you will be able to do a really healthy and immaculate one while gaining purchase with your legs across the top two to three stairs.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Occasionally, there was climbing to do, on all fours; the Whippet blades helped me gain purchase.

The New Yorker

And so the shame of the fire gained purchase once again.

The New Yorker

Unable to gain purchase in the primary race, he dropped out in late January 2008.

The Guardian

A pernicious if barmy idea begins to gain purchase: Moyes is the issue.

Independent

Citizens, empowered with factual knowledge, would gain purchase over bureaucracy, and democracy would flourish again.

The Guardian

In 2013, three trends gained purchase and this year, they'll ascend.

Harvard Business Review

They use the teeth to gain purchase on their prey until they can coil their body around it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining purchase" when you want to describe the act of obtaining a physical or metaphorical hold, advantage, or influence in a situation. It often implies effort and gradual progress.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining purchase" in purely abstract or conceptual contexts where the sense of physical hold is completely absent. Opt for alternatives like "gaining acceptance" or "gaining relevance" if the context is not directly related to obtaining a tangible advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining purchase" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the act of obtaining a firm hold, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from mountain climbing to the acceptance of ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining purchase" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe obtaining a firm hold or advantage, either physically or metaphorically. As Ludwig's analysis and examples indicate, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "gaining traction" or "gaining a foothold" exist, "gaining purchase" uniquely conveys a sense of securing a grip or establishing a firm base. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability and broad applicability in English writing. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with the idea of obtaining a tangible or clear advantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining traction

Focuses on progress and momentum, rather than a physical or metaphorical hold.

gaining a foothold

Emphasizes establishing a secure initial position or base.

establishing influence

Highlights the acquisition of power or sway over something.

securing an advantage

Stresses the attainment of a beneficial position or edge.

making headway

Implies forward movement and progress towards a goal.

achieving recognition

Concentrates on receiving acknowledgment or acceptance.

acquiring leverage

Highlights obtaining the means to exert pressure or control.

making inroads

Focuses on penetrating or impacting a market or area.

gaining ground

Suggests an incremental advancement or expansion.

developing a grip

Emphasizes the gradual acquisition of control or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining purchase" to describe physically obtaining a better grip, as in "The climber was finally "gaining purchase" on the rock face". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "The idea is "gaining purchase" in the scientific community".

What are some alternatives to "gaining purchase"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gaining traction", "gaining a foothold", or "establishing influence".

Is it correct to say "gaining purchase on" something?

Yes, it is correct to use the preposition "on" after "gaining purchase" when specifying what is being gripped or influenced. For example, "The company is "gaining purchase" on the market".

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

"Gaining purchase" implies obtaining a grip or advantage, while "gaining momentum" suggests increasing speed or force. Although they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "gaining purchase" emphasizes a more secure hold.