gather traction

USAGE SUMMARY

"gather traction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an idea, concept, product, etc. that is gaining more attention, popularity, or acceptance. Example: Our new product has been gathering traction, and more and more customers are showing interest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A different kind of social contract – citizenship unconstrained by nationality or borders – will be necessary for any "big idea" to gather traction.

The New York Times

And this is where Labour's cost of living agenda may gather traction between now and polling day.

BBC

It's understandably pretty difficult to gather traction on consumer platforms that are already complicated enough to figure out on their own.

TechCrunch

While Yo may have fast-growing consumer adoption going for it, an alternate notification substitute (which will look just as stupid, if not more) may yet gather traction, surpass Yo's adoption and get taken up by more developers.

TechCrunch

News organizations like NBC, Fox, and the BBC already use Banjo to power live social content on their television networks in order to break news before they gather traction on Twitter or Facebook.

TechCrunch

But as Americans have started to awaken to the widening inequality in the country, the call for a fair wage has begun to gather traction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For many it was the first time they had spoken out about their experiences, and as the campaign gathered traction last week I was concerned that some women might be forced to relive their trauma.

The Guardian

The firm's 'single target' idea gathered traction, particularly among supporters of nuclear power and shale gas, and was agreed as an official position in discussions between the UK Treasury and the Department of Energy and Climate Change in mid-2013.

The Guardian

"It is about more than just projects, it is about constitutions, about rules, about ethics - and all those I've mentioned have declined under the leadership of Sepp Blatter". That may be a view which has gathered traction in the past two days, as the crisis sparked by the arrests of senior officials has engulfed the game.

BBC

Yet critics claim that all this is part of a larger PR campaign, with Israel trying to use LGBT rights as "pinkwashing," a term that gathered traction after a 2010 Guardian article by queer theorist Jasbir Puar decrying "Israel's gay propaganda war".

Vice

That proposal didn't gather much traction, but it got Harris County Judge Ed Emmett thinking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gather traction" when you want to emphasize the gradual process of something gaining acceptance or popularity. For example, "The new environmental policy is beginning to "gather traction" among voters."

Common error

Avoid overusing "gather traction" when simpler phrases like "gain momentum" or "become popular" would be more direct and effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gather traction" functions as a verb phrase where "gather" is the verb and "traction" is the noun. It describes the process of something, typically an idea or initiative, gaining momentum or popularity. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gather traction" is a valid phrase used to describe something gaining momentum or popularity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, although "gain traction" might be more frequently encountered. While the phrase is most common in news and media, it also appears in scientific and formal business contexts. When writing, consider whether simpler alternatives like "gain momentum" or "become popular" might be more appropriate for a direct and concise message. The sources analyzed include reputable publications like The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating the phrase's acceptance in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

Focuses on the increase in speed or force, similar to something physically picking up speed.

gain popularity

Highlights the aspect of becoming more liked or widely accepted.

pick up steam

An idiomatic expression indicating increasing activity or energy.

gain ground

Emphasizes making progress against opposition or competition.

build momentum

Focuses on the action of creating or increasing momentum.

take hold

Suggests that something is becoming established or influential.

catch on

Indicates that something is becoming popular or fashionable.

become established

Implies a more permanent and secure position.

flourish

Conveys a sense of thriving and successful growth.

prosper

Highlights the aspect of financial success and growth.

FAQs

What does "gather traction" mean?

The phrase "gather traction" means that something is beginning to gain momentum, popularity, or acceptance. It suggests a gradual process of building support or influence.

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

You can use "gather traction" when describing an idea, product, or movement that is becoming more well-known and supported. For example, "The campaign for better healthcare is starting to "gather traction" nationwide."

What are some alternatives to "gather traction"?

Some alternatives to "gather traction" include "gain momentum", "gain popularity", "pick up steam", or "gain ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "gain traction" or "gather traction"?

Both "gain traction" and "gather traction" are acceptable, but "gain traction" is more commonly used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. While "gain traction" implies simply acquiring it, "gather traction" subtly suggests an ongoing process of accumulating it.