Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
gathering steam steadily
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "gathering steam steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or situation that is gaining momentum or increasing in intensity over time. Example: "The project has been gathering steam steadily, and we expect to see significant progress in the coming weeks."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(20)
a lot of friction
making headway effectively
a lot of drive
gaining widespread acceptance
a lot of train
a lot of propulsion
a lot of momentum
a lot of tensile
a lot of impetus
significant momentum
a lot of tension
gaining ground rapidly
gaining popularity quickly
a lot of traction
a bit of traction
considerable progress
a number of traction
a series of traction
a lot of adherence
a lot of test
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Their efforts are gathering steam.
News & Media
Meanwhile Mr Mitchell's political rehabilitation is gathering steam.
News & Media
I know him" — gathering steam — "but, well, not well, anymore.
News & Media
To the south, a major windstorm is gathering steam.
News & Media
Across the nation, the land trust movement is gathering steam.
News & Media
"The market didn't start gathering steam until Jan . 15.
News & Media
The Slow revolution is even gathering steam in the office.
News & Media
As with all the arts, the new opera season is gathering steam across Europe.
News & Media
The attack hardly fits an economy that appears finally to be gathering steam.
News & Media
The contest with Mitt Romney is over, but the contest with China is only gathering steam.
News & Media
If the world is indeed gathering steam, he may be wrong.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "gathering steam steadily" to describe projects, movements, or processes that are not only gaining momentum but are doing so at a consistent rate. This implies a reliable and predictable increase in intensity.
Common error
Avoid using "gathering steam steadily" when describing events that experience rapid or abrupt increases in momentum. The phrase is most appropriate for processes with a gradual and predictable build-up.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "gathering steam steadily" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe the progressive increase in momentum or intensity of a subject. Because no examples are available from Ludwig, this analysis is based on the general meaning of the words.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "gathering steam steadily" is grammatically correct and describes a gradual and consistent increase in momentum or intensity. Despite its grammatical correctness, there are no examples available to show how it has been used in published sources. Although the phrase is not incorrect or grammatically wrong, its very rare use is a factor that suggests a better choice would be a more commonly used construction like "gradually gaining momentum".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Gradually gaining momentum
Emphasizes the gradual nature of the increase in momentum.
Steadily gaining traction
Focuses on the increasing adoption or acceptance of something.
Progressing at a steady pace
Highlights the consistent and unwavering progress.
Building up gradually
Emphasizes the incremental construction or accumulation of something.
Incrementally intensifying
Focuses on the increasing intensity of a process or feeling.
Slowly but surely advancing
Highlights the reliability and inevitability of the progress, even if it's slow.
Continually gaining ground
Focuses on making continuous advances against opposition.
Ramping up incrementally
Highlights the gradual increase in production or activity.
Gathering pace progressively
Focuses on the increasing speed or tempo of something.
Evolving consistently
Emphasizes the ongoing development and maturation of something.
FAQs
How can I use "gathering steam steadily" in a sentence?
You can use "gathering steam steadily" to describe something that is gradually increasing in momentum or intensity. For example, "The marketing campaign has been gathering steam steadily since its launch." It implies a continuous and reliable growth.
What are some alternatives to "gathering steam steadily"?
Alternatives include "gradually gaining momentum", "steadily gaining traction", or "progressing at a steady pace". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "gathering steam rapidly" instead of "gathering steam steadily"?
While "gathering steam rapidly" is grammatically correct, it conveys a different meaning. "Gathering steam steadily" implies a gradual and consistent increase, whereas "gathering steam rapidly" suggests a much faster acceleration. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the pace of the process you're describing.
What's the difference between "gathering steam steadily" and "gaining momentum"?
"Gaining momentum" is a more general term for increasing speed or force. "Gathering steam steadily" specifies that the increase is happening gradually and consistently over time. The addition of "steadily" provides more detail about the nature of the progress.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested