gathering speed

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathering speed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is moving faster and faster. For example, "The train was gathering speed as it sped down the track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was going downhill and gathering speed".

The New Yorker

And the investigation is gathering speed.

The New York Times

All this happens with thrilling, gathering speed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And the process is gathering speed.

The New York Times

There is the feeling of the night gathering speed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His defender, gathering speed, takes aim at his human target.

The New York Times - Magazine

She launches into it, gathering speed as she talks.

The Guardian - Books

The government's deregulation programme is gathering speed now.

The Guardian - Opinion

The car was gathering speed, and Fyodorov was running along beside it.

The New Yorker

But if gathering speed felt perfunctory, slowing down was anything but.

The New York Times

John Wooten, the director, stages the two-act play with gathering speed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathering speed" to describe processes, objects, or even abstract concepts that are increasing in velocity or momentum. For example, "The project is gathering speed as more resources are allocated."

Common error

Avoid using "gathering speed" when the intended meaning is simply "moving" or "happening." The phrase implies an increase in speed, not just the presence of it. "The event is gathering speed" is incorrect if the event has just begun; instead, use "gaining momentum."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathering speed" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a predicate to describe the action of increasing in velocity. Ludwig AI validates its correct and widespread use in varied contexts, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gathering speed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of accelerating, whether literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across reputable sources, particularly in News & Media. When writing, it's important to ensure the context implies an increase in speed or momentum, not simply the presence of it. Consider alternatives like "accelerating" or "gaining momentum" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. With its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "gathering speed" is a reliable and versatile addition to your writing vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining velocity

This phrase refers to a scientific context and directly related to the speed

accelerating

This alternative is a single word that indicates an increase in speed.

building up speed

This indicates a gradual accumulation of velocity.

picking up pace

This suggests a gradual increase in activity or momentum, not just physical speed.

speeding up

This alternative is more informal and implies simply becoming faster.

gaining momentum

This alternative emphasizes the increase in force or influence, often in a non-physical sense.

picking up steam

This idiom implies an increase in power or enthusiasm, often used for projects or initiatives.

ramping up

This alternative implies increasing the intensity or scale of something, not strictly speed.

moving faster

This alternative phrase is a simple expression to describe it.

gaining traction

This suggests an increase in acceptance or popularity, often in business or marketing.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathering speed" to describe an object or process that is increasing its velocity or momentum. For example: "The train was "gathering speed" as it left the station."

What's a more formal alternative to "gathering speed"?

While "gathering speed" is suitable for most contexts, a more formal alternative could be "gaining velocity" or "accelerating". These options are often found in technical or scientific writing.

Is it correct to say something is "gathering speed" metaphorically?

Yes, "gathering speed" can be used metaphorically to describe the increase in momentum of a project, movement, or trend. For instance, "The campaign for change is "gathering speed"."

What's the difference between "gathering speed" and "gaining momentum"?

"Gathering speed" typically refers to a literal increase in velocity, while "gaining momentum" is more often used metaphorically to describe increasing support or progress. Though similar, "gaining momentum" implies influence, not just physical motion.