gathered speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathered speed" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or movement that is increasing in speed or accelerating. Here are a few examples: 1. The car gathered speed as it zoomed down the highway. 2. The train slowly gathered speed as it left the station. 3. The storm gathered speed as it approached the coast. 4. She gradually gathered speed as she ran towards the finish line. 5. The project gathered speed once our team received additional funding. 6. The dancer's steps gathered speed, mesmerizing the audience. 7. The bicycle rider gathered speed as she rode down the steep hill. 8. The bird flapped its wings and gathered speed as it took flight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The chaos gathered speed.

The New York Times

It's been a story that has gathered speed.

Independent

As the campaign gathered speed, a variety of professionals offered conflicting interpretations of what theology requires.

The New Yorker

As the land slopes, the cars gathered speed as they went.

The New York Times

During the Obama years, the easing of the embargo has gathered speed.

The New Yorker

He paused as the thought pedalled forward and gathered speed in his mind.

The New Yorker

But as we gathered speed for takeoff, something went boom in the engine.

The New York Times

Then they gathered speed, changing from three clogged lanes by day to streaking headlights at night.

The New York Times - Arts

The Steamer gathered speed slowly, like a locomotive, with a distinctive chugging sound.

The New York Times

He embellished his singing with head, hand and bodily gestures that gathered speed along with the music.

The New York Times - Arts

Inflation gathered speed for a second month in December in Brazil after the government raised fuel prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathered speed" to describe situations where there is a noticeable increase in velocity or the rate at which something progresses. It works well in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "gathered speed" when describing a constant speed or a state of being. This phrase implies a change, so it's not suitable for situations where the speed remains the same.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathered speed" functions as a verb phrase indicating an increase in velocity or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gathered speed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that vividly depicts acceleration or the intensification of a process. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common occurrence across various domains, especially in news and media. When writing, consider alternatives like "accelerated" or "picked up momentum" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. However, avoid using it in static contexts. Understanding its function, purpose, and common usages will enhance your writing and ensure clarity in your expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accelerated

Implies a rate of change increasing over time; more formal.

picked up momentum

Suggests a gradual increase in force or impetus.

gained velocity

Focuses specifically on the increase in speed of an object.

built up speed

Highlights the process of speed accumulating over time.

increased pace

More general, applicable to processes as well as physical motion.

quickened

A more literary term for becoming faster.

sped up

A more informal and direct way of saying "became faster".

gained traction

Suggests progress in a non-physical sense, like an idea or initiative.

moved faster

A simple and straightforward alternative emphasizing speed.

raced ahead

Implies a competitive or urgent increase in speed.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathered speed" to describe an object or process that is accelerating, for example: "The car "gathered speed" as it went down the hill", or "The project "gathered speed" once the new team members joined".

What are some alternatives to "gathered speed"?

Alternatives to "gathered speed" include "accelerated", "picked up momentum", or "gained velocity" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gathered speed" in formal writing?

Yes, "gathered speed" is appropriate for formal writing, but consider alternatives like "accelerated" if you need a more sophisticated vocabulary. The suitability depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

Which is more precise: "gathered speed" or "increased in speed"?

"Gathered speed" is often more concise and fluid than "increased in speed". However, "increased in speed" might be preferable in highly technical contexts where absolute precision is crucial.