gains traction

USAGE SUMMARY

"gains traction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe increasing support for an idea, concept, or action. Example sentence: The campaign for environmental reform has been gathering momentum, and is quickly gaining traction in the media and among voters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It never gains traction.

The New York Times

Start-Up Chile gains traction.

The New York Times

With every passing mile, "Away" gains traction and steam.

The New York Times - Books

Everyone wants the violence to stop, but no government plan gains traction.

The Guardian - Film

Once a story gains traction, she says, the Administration must respond quickly or "rumors become facts".

The New Yorker

Still, analysts see potential for rapid growth as mobile content gains traction in other areas.

The New York Times - Tech

It recently made headlines with accounting problems, but would look much better if WiMax gains traction.

The Economist

AS real-time bidding gains traction, the consumer data-mining that fuels it is escalating.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet she gained traction.

Independent

The argument gained traction.

The New York Times

A "Beijing consensus" gained traction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gains traction" to describe the increasing acceptance or popularity of an idea, product, or movement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is gaining the traction and why.

Common error

Avoid using "gains traction" when the subject is actively pushing for something. "Gains traction" implies organic growth or increasing external support, not forceful promotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gains traction" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase describes the process of increasing support or acceptance for an idea, concept, or initiative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gains traction" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the increasing acceptance, popularity, or momentum of an idea, product, or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and can be found in a variety of contexts, especially in news and media. While related phrases like ""gains momentum"" or ""gathers steam"" can serve as alternatives, "gains traction" maintains its unique nuance of highlighting a gradual increase in support and establishment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Achieves momentum

Focuses on the increase in speed or force, implying progress is being made.

Builds momentum

Highlights the gradual accumulation of force or support over time.

Gathers steam

Emphasizes a growing intensity and energy behind something.

Rattles cages

Implies the increase of impact on something static (e.g. the status quo).

Accumulates support

Highlights the gathering of endorsements or approval.

Becomes established

Focuses on the gradual acceptance and integration of something.

Grows in popularity

Directly indicates an increase in public favor.

Gains acceptance

Focuses on the increasing approval or agreement with something.

Attracts interest

Highlights the increasing attention and curiosity towards something.

Is picking up speed

Directly focuses on the increase in the rate of progress.

FAQs

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

Use "gains traction" to describe how something is gaining support or becoming more popular. For example, "The new policy is "gaining traction" among voters."

What are some alternatives to "gains traction"?

Alternatives include "gains momentum", "builds momentum", or "gathers steam". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is gaining traction"?

Yes, "is gaining traction" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that something is in the process of becoming more popular or accepted.

What's the difference between "gains traction" and "achieves traction"?

"Gains traction" suggests an ongoing process of increasing support, while ""achieves traction"" implies a more definitive point of reaching a certain level of support or progress.