gaining steam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining steam" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is becoming more popular, successful, or gaining momentum over time. Example: "The new marketing campaign is gaining steam, attracting more customers each week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And two threes," Sean said, gaining steam.

The New York Times - Magazine

Meanwhile, my relationship was gaining steam.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the issue is gaining steam.

The New York Times - Magazine

Reuse efforts have also been gaining steam.

Harvard University

This migration is now gaining steam.

The New York Times

A rebound, however, has been gaining steam.

MIT Technology Review

Meanwhile, the economy appears to be gaining steam.

The New York Times

The movement to oust Hunter is already gaining steam.

The New York Times - Sports

"Rails-to-trails" projects are gaining steam across the country.

The New York Times

But the phenomenon seems to be gaining steam.

The New York Times

Derby winner will be gaining steam in the stretch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining steam" to describe a process, idea, or movement that is becoming increasingly popular or powerful. For example, "The campaign for environmental protection is gaining steam among young voters".

Common error

Avoid using "gaining steam" to describe something that has already reached its peak or is declining. The phrase implies ongoing growth and increasing momentum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining steam" functions as an idiomatic expression that describes the process of something increasing in momentum, popularity, or force. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, from political movements to economic trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining steam" is a common and generally accepted idiom used to describe something that is increasingly popular, successful, or powerful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's versatile, it's best suited for describing ongoing growth rather than static or declining trends. Alternatives like "gaining momentum" or "gathering pace" can be used for similar effect, but "gaining steam" itself remains a vivid and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Focuses on the increasing rate of progress or development.

gathering pace

Implies an increase in speed or tempo.

picking up speed

Emphasizes acceleration and rapid advancement.

gaining traction

Highlights the act of gaining support or acceptance.

building up

Suggests a gradual accumulation of something, like support or intensity.

on the rise

Indicates an upward trend or increase in popularity.

making headway

Focuses on making progress and overcoming obstacles.

moving forward

Highlights the act of progressing towards a goal.

advancing rapidly

Emphasizes quick and significant progress.

progressing well

Indicates satisfactory development and advancement.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "gaining steam"?

When something is "gaining steam", it means it's "gaining momentum", becoming more popular, or making significant progress.

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

You can use "gaining steam" to describe a movement, project, or idea that is becoming increasingly popular or successful. For example, "The renewable energy sector is "gaining traction" and is expected to keep "gaining steam" in the coming years."

What are some alternatives to saying "gaining steam"?

Some alternatives to "gaining steam" include "gaining momentum", "gathering pace", and "picking up speed".

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

Yes, "gaining steam" is appropriate in many formal contexts, especially when discussing trends, progress, or increasing popularity. However, consider the specific audience and whether a more formal alternative like "gaining momentum" might be more suitable.