Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
gaining substantial traction
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "gaining substantial traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an idea, product, or trend is becoming increasingly popular or accepted. Example: "The new marketing strategy is gaining substantial traction among our target audience, leading to increased sales."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
And a handful of companies are even gaining substantial traction.
News & Media
And if TownMe does begin to start gaining substantial traction, it would be trivial for restaurant owners to simply add their establishments to the page, which sort of defeats the point.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Should Trustonic gain substantial traction in the market, it could add around 5%-85%-8%Arm's and Gemalto's fair value.
News & Media
As cities try to lower their carbon footprints, the concept of transforming brownfield sites into 'eco-precincts' has gained substantial traction.
Science
The truth of the matter is apps that are wildly successful in the U.S., Europe and Japan often fail to gain substantial traction in areas like India, South America and the Middle East; these problems go well beyond simple translation issues and lack of cultural understanding.
News & Media
The event gained substantial traction and widespread interest over the past few weeks as a weird internet in-joke.
News & Media
And another case (a class action lawsuit against national governmental entities similar to the one in the Netherlands) filed in 2011 has failed to gain substantial traction.
News & Media
The tweet gained significant traction.
News & Media
This argument might be gaining some traction.
News & Media
Even so, the field seems to be gaining some traction.
News & Media
Google+ is gaining some traction.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "gaining substantial traction" to describe the growing acceptance or popularity of an idea, product, or movement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is gaining traction and why.
Common error
While appropriate for news and business writing, "gaining substantial traction" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "becoming popular" or "catching on".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "gaining substantial traction" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It describes an ongoing process of increasing popularity or acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
57%
Science
23%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "gaining substantial traction" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes something becoming increasingly popular or accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for formal contexts, particularly in news, science, and business writing. While versatile, it may sound too formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like "becoming popular" are more appropriate. The phrase conveys a sense of progress and growing influence, making it a valuable tool for writers describing trends and developments.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gathering considerable momentum
Highlights the increasing speed and force behind the progress.
building significant momentum
Similar to "gathering momentum", but emphasizes the effort to create that momentum.
acquiring significant acceptance
Focuses on the growing approval and adoption of an idea or product.
making significant headway
Emphasizes overcoming obstacles and advancing towards a goal.
gaining significant ground
Suggests capturing more support or advantage in a competitive environment.
developing considerable influence
Highlights the expanding power and impact of something.
achieving considerable progress
Focuses on the forward movement and accomplishment rather than just gaining attention.
making notable advances
Focuses on the improvements and progress being made.
gaining widespread recognition
Emphasizes the increasing awareness and acknowledgement by a larger audience.
becoming widely adopted
Highlights the increasing usage and implementation of an idea or technology.
FAQs
What does "gaining substantial traction" mean?
It means something is becoming increasingly popular, accepted, or successful. It implies forward movement and growth in interest or support.
How can I use "gaining substantial traction" in a sentence?
You can use it to describe the progress of a product, idea, or movement. For example, "The new marketing campaign is "gaining substantial traction" among younger demographics."
What are some alternatives to "gaining substantial traction"?
Alternatives include "gathering momentum", "gaining ground", or "becoming popular". The best choice depends on the specific context.
Is "gaining substantial traction" formal or informal?
It leans towards the formal side, suitable for news articles, business reports, or academic papers. For informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested