gaining solid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining solid" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the idea of acquiring something substantial or reliable, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "He is gaining solid experience in his field through various internships."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's also gaining solid numbers of new users on mobile, and it has big ideas for where things might go.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Even runners who are mid- to front-foot strikers will work harder to gain solid footing on the sliding surface.

The New York Times

Masaryk left Russia for the United States, where, in May 1918, he gained solid support from Czech and Slovak organizations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

J. E. B. Stuart and Jubal Early were the two most famous Confederate cavalry officers, though others gained solid reputations.

The New York Times

The senator has gained solid support from independents, but most polls show him behind Mr. Bush among traditional Republicans and doing even worse with the religious right.

The New York Times

I gained solid knowledge of the law relating to the children's act, mental health act, mental capacity act, the human rights act and more.

The Guardian

He cited continuing strong ad sales in the quarter — up 40 percent — as evidence that CBS should gain "solid double-digit increases" in its upfront sales.

The New York Times

Britain is attracting more university-educated migrants than any other country in the EU, thus reciprocating those of our own highly qualified young people, generations of whom have gained solid employment in mainland Europe and in farther-flung locations.

The Guardian - Opinion

In some parts of the US, receipts for oxycodone-based products – such as OxyContin, Percoset, and Percodan – surged sixteenfold; hydrocodone-based products such as Vicodin continue to gain solid ground in Appalachia and Middle America.

The Guardian - Opinion

While other luxury products have started to gain solid ground on the BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China), champagne doesn't have the same foothold in these places as other high-end goods.

Independent

Not much if Snap's plans to reinvigorate its business can gain solid footing.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "gaining solid", consider more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "gaining significant" or "gaining substantial" to convey the intended meaning of making real progress.

Common error

The word "solid" is often misused as a general adjective of degree. When describing progress or gains, use more specific adjectives like "substantial", "significant", or "real" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining solid" functions as a verb phrase aiming to describe the act of acquiring something substantial or reliable. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is not considered correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining solid" aims to express the idea of making substantial progress or acquiring something reliable. However, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as incorrect and lacking clarity in written English. More appropriate alternatives include "gaining substantial", "gaining significant", or "making real progress". While some sources like The New York Times and The Guardian use it, the phrase is generally discouraged in formal or academic writing due to its grammatical awkwardness and lack of precision. It's best to opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives to effectively communicate the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Focuses on accelerating progress, rather than just gaining something substantial.

making headway

Emphasizes forward movement and progress, a slightly different angle than gaining something tangible.

achieving stability

Focuses on attaining a state of stability rather than the process of gaining something substantial.

securing a firm foundation

Highlights the establishment of a stable base, differing from the broader concept of gaining progress.

acquiring expertise

Emphasizes gaining specialized knowledge or skill, differing from general progress.

building strength

Highlights the development of power or resilience, shifting the focus from acquisition.

developing firmness

Centers on increasing stability and resoluteness, a more nuanced meaning than simply gaining ground.

achieving recognition

Emphasizes acquiring acknowledgement or praise, a different focus than general progress.

establishing credibility

Focuses on creating a trustworthy reputation rather than obtaining tangible gains.

obtaining validation

Focuses specifically on acquiring confirmation or approval, rather than general gains.

FAQs

What is a better way to say "gaining solid"?

Consider using phrases such as "gaining substantial", "gaining significant", or "making real progress" to better convey the intended meaning.

Is "gaining solid" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "gaining solid" is not considered grammatically sound. It's better to opt for alternatives that provide clearer and more precise meaning.

Can I use "gaining solid" in formal writing?

It's advisable to avoid "gaining solid" in formal contexts. Choose more formal and precise language, such as "achieving significant advancements" or "attaining substantial growth".

What does "gaining solid" mean?

The phrase attempts to express the idea of acquiring something of real value or making significant progress, but it lacks clarity. More appropriate expressions exist to convey this idea effectively.