gather pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"gather pace" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that something is moving faster and gaining momentum. Example sentence: Protests against the government's policies have been growing in strength and seem to be gathering pace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inflation is set to gather pace.

The Economist

2015 will inevitably see this gather pace".

The Guardian

Organisers said the campaign would gather pace.

The Guardian

This information revolution is beginning to gather pace worldwide.

The Guardian

In the coming years, the revolution is likely to gather pace.

The Economist

But things gather pace when the sword becomes an instrument of personal defense.

The New York Times - Books

The selloff seemed to gather pace after Italy, and then Spain, announced their short-selling bans.

The Guardian - Business

"Coal is on the way out in many countries and that trend will only gather pace.

The Guardian

If social mobility is to gather pace, getting people into employment is just the first step.

The Guardian

The first essential is to understand why deindustrialisation continues to gather pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

As they face up to the rigours of the world market, restructuring is likely to gather pace.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gather pace" to describe situations where momentum is visibly increasing, such as a growing trend, a campaign gaining support, or an economy recovering.

Common error

Avoid using "gather pace" when referring to static objects or situations that don't involve a process or movement over time. For instance, it would be incorrect to say "The building gathered pace" unless you're referring to its construction phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather pace" functions as a verb phrase. It typically describes how an event, process, or trend is increasing in speed, intensity, or momentum. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its active role in describing dynamic changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gather pace" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe an increase in speed, momentum, or intensity. As Ludwig highlights, it is most frequently found in News & Media sources, with neutral to professional register. For alternative phrasing, consider using "gain momentum", "pick up speed", or "accelerate" to add variety to your writing. Remember to use "gather pace" when referring to dynamic situations, trends, or processes, and avoid using it with static subjects. Overall, "gather pace" is a versatile and useful phrase for conveying progressive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

This alternative emphasizes the increase in force or impetus behind a movement or process.

pick up speed

This alternative highlights the increase in velocity or rapidity of an action or event.

accelerate

This is a direct synonym that focuses on the act of increasing speed or rate.

step up

Implies an increase in effort or intensity, leading to faster progress.

gain traction

This alternative suggests that something is starting to gain support and become more effective.

build up steam

This idiom suggests an increasing energy or enthusiasm behind something.

move faster

A more literal and straightforward way to express an increase in speed.

intensify

Highlights the increasing strength or degree of something.

escalate

Suggests a rapid increase, often in the context of conflict or problems.

advance rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and progress of something moving forward.

FAQs

How can I use "gather pace" in a sentence?

You can use "gather pace" to describe how something is progressively increasing in speed, intensity, or momentum. For example, "The economic recovery is expected to gather pace in the coming months."

What are some alternatives to "gather pace"?

Alternatives to "gather pace" include "gain momentum", "pick up speed", or "accelerate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "gather pace" in formal writing?

Yes, "gather pace" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business, news, and academic contexts. It's a clear and professional way to describe increasing momentum.

What's the difference between "gather pace" and "gain momentum"?

"Gather pace" emphasizes an increase in speed or rate, while "gain momentum" emphasizes the building of force or impetus. They are often interchangeable, but "gather pace" is more closely tied to the idea of velocity.