gathered pace

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathered pace" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how something speeds up, increases in intensity, or grows in popularity. For example, "As news of the scandal spread, sales of the company's products gathered pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain's recovery gathered pace.

The Economist

Britain's recovery has gathered pace.

The Economist

Work soon gathered pace.

The Guardian - Books

As gentrification gathered pace, property prices exploded.

The Economist

The whirlwind has gathered pace.

The Guardian - Sport

The overseas campaigns for disinvestment and sanctions gathered pace.

The New York Times

The boulder toppled, gathered pace, shattering rocks in its path.

The Guardian - Travel

Thereafter the demonisation of independent journalism gathered pace.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, as the results gathered pace, the mood worsened.

The Guardian

As decontamination gathered pace, cinema was quick to pitch in.

The Guardian - Film

It became like a storm that gathered pace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered pace" to describe gradual increases in activity, intensity, or progress, particularly when referring to events or processes evolving over time. For example, "The investigation gathered pace as new evidence emerged".

Common error

Avoid using "gathered pace" when describing sudden or instantaneous changes. This phrase implies a gradual build-up, not an immediate shift. For example, it would be inappropriate to say "The car gathered pace as it crashed into the wall" since the impact would be instantaneous. Instead, use "accelerated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered pace" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the manner in which an action or event is progressing or developing. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is commonly used to indicate an increase in speed, intensity, or momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathered pace" is a versatile expression used to describe how something gradually increases in speed, intensity, or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While synonymous with phrases like "gained momentum" or "accelerated", it implies a more gradual progression. When using "gathered pace", ensure the context involves a process that builds up over time, not a sudden shift. It is important to note, its formality is considered neutral, meaning it can be used across a multitude of writing environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gained momentum

Emphasizes the increasing force or impetus behind the action.

Picked up speed

Similar to "accelerated", but more literal in its reference to speed.

Accelerated

This is a direct synonym, focusing on the act of speeding up.

Sped up

A simple and direct way to indicate an increase in speed.

Intensified

Focuses on the increase in strength or degree of something.

Progressed quickly

Focuses on the fast advancement or development.

Escalated

Suggests a gradual but significant increase in intensity.

Advanced rapidly

Highlights the speed and extent of progress.

Moved swiftly

Suggests efficient and quick progression.

Built up steam

Implies a gradual accumulation of energy or force leading to acceleration.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathered pace" to describe a process, activity, or event that is gradually increasing in speed, intensity, or popularity. For example, "The project "gathered pace" as more resources became available".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gathered pace"?

Some alternatives to "gathered pace" include "gained momentum", "accelerated", or "picked up speed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the decline gathered pace"?

Yes, it's perfectly correct to say "the decline "gathered pace"". This indicates that the rate of decline increased over time. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is used in various reliable sources.

What's the difference between "gained momentum" and "gathered pace"?

"Gained momentum" and "gathered pace" are very similar. While both suggest increasing intensity, "gained momentum" often implies a force or influence building up, whereas "gathered pace" focuses more on the speed or rate increasing. So, you can use alternatives like "gained momentum".