gathering steam

USAGE SUMMARY

"gathering steam" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "gathering steam" when describing something that is gaining momentum or increasing in intensity. Example: The protest against the government policies was slowly gathering steam, with more and more people joining in each day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Meanwhile Mr Mitchell's political rehabilitation is gathering steam.

The Economist

CHINA'S love affair with fast trains is gathering steam again.

The Economist

I know him" — gathering steam — "but, well, not well, anymore.

The New Yorker

"The market didn't start gathering steam until Jan . 15.

The New York Times

The Slow revolution is even gathering steam in the office.

The Guardian

"Stanley's approach is more innovative and more sensitive," Dr. Brazelton said, "and it's gathering steam rapidly".

The New York Times

As with all the arts, the new opera season is gathering steam across Europe.

The New York Times

The attack hardly fits an economy that appears finally to be gathering steam.

The New York Times

The contest with Mitt Romney is over, but the contest with China is only gathering steam.

The New York Times

If the world is indeed gathering steam, he may be wrong.

The New York Times

And though the village faces a difficult battle, the cases are gathering steam.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve your writing avoid using the phrase "gathering steam" when the context requires something more literal, such as describing the physical process of steam accumulating. Instead, reserve it for metaphorical situations involving momentum or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "gathering steam" in technical or scientific writing when a more precise term is available. While acceptable in general writing, it may lack the specificity required for technical descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "gathering steam" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is increasing in momentum, intensity, or popularity. Ludwig examples show its application across diverse scenarios, confirming its role in describing progressive change or growth.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gathering steam" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something that is increasing in momentum, intensity, or popularity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When writing, use "gathering steam" to illustrate a progressive increase in something's strength or impact, and avoid overuse in highly technical contexts. Consider alternatives like "gaining momentum" or "picking up pace" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining momentum

Focuses on the increase in speed or force.

building up speed

Emphasizes the acceleration aspect.

picking up pace

Highlights the increasing rate of progress.

gaining traction

Implies increasing support or acceptance.

gaining impetus

Stresses the driving force behind the increasing momentum.

accelerating rapidly

Emphasizes the quickening rate of change.

building intensity

Focuses on the rising strength or force.

ramping up

Suggests a deliberate increase in activity or production.

gaining velocity

Focuses on the increasing speed or rate of motion.

becoming prevalent

Focuses on widespread acceptance and diffusion.

FAQs

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

Use "gathering steam" to describe something increasing in momentum or intensity, such as "The movement for social change is "gathering steam" across the country".

What are some alternatives to "gathering steam"?

You can use alternatives like "gaining momentum", "picking up pace", or "gaining traction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gathering steam" appropriate for formal writing?

While "gathering steam" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "gaining impetus" or "accelerating rapidly" might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "gathering steam"?

It means that something is increasingly gaining momentum, force, or popularity. It suggests that progress is being made and that the situation is becoming more intense or significant. For example, the project is "gathering steam" and we are seeing great success.