gaining traction

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining traction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the increasing momentum or support for something, such as an idea, plan, or movement. For example, "The anti-pollution campaign has been gaining traction in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Labour's reforms were gaining traction.

The Economist

The slogan started gaining traction.

The Guardian

"Chromebooks are really gaining traction.

The Guardian - Tech

The ideas are clearly gaining traction.

The New York Times

Still, solar charging is quietly gaining traction.

The New York Times

Incredibly enough, this message is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet she gained traction.

Independent

The argument gained traction.

The New York Times

It never gains traction.

The New York Times

A "Beijing consensus" gained traction.

The New York Times

But neither format gained traction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about progress, be sure to provide context. Clarify how something is "gaining traction". Is it through increased sales, wider recognition, or stronger support?

Common error

While "gaining traction" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "gaining momentum" or "becoming established" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining traction" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating a process of growth or increasing support for something. It describes the action of becoming more established or popular, as evidenced by the Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correct usage and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gaining traction" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase that effectively conveys the increasing momentum or acceptance of an idea, product, or movement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academic writing. While alternatives like "gaining momentum" and "becoming established" exist, "gaining traction" remains a clear and impactful choice. Remember to provide context and avoid overuse for maximum effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Focuses more on the increasing speed and force behind something.

gaining ground

Emphasizes making progress and overcoming obstacles.

catching on

Highlights increasing popularity and acceptance, especially among people.

gaining popularity

Directly indicates an increase in public favor or acceptance.

taking hold

Suggests something is becoming firmly established or influential.

becoming established

Focuses on achieving a stable and recognized position.

gaining acceptance

Highlights the process of being widely approved or agreed upon.

making headway

Implies making significant progress, especially in a challenging situation.

picking up steam

Similar to gaining momentum, but often suggests a more gradual increase in force.

building momentum

Similar to gaining momentum, focuses on the action of building, and can be used to describe strategies for gaining momentum.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining traction" to describe something that is becoming more popular or successful. For example, "The new marketing campaign is "gaining traction" among younger audiences".

What can I say instead of "gaining traction"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining momentum", "gaining popularity", or "becoming established" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "losing traction"?

Yes, "losing traction" is the opposite of "gaining traction" and is used to describe something that is becoming less popular or successful.

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

"Gaining traction" implies increasing support and acceptance, while "gaining momentum" emphasizes increasing speed and force. They are similar, but momentum focuses more on the rate of progress.