gathers pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gathers pace" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or process that is increasing in speed or intensity over time. Example: "As the project deadline approaches, the team's efforts to complete the work really gathers pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile, introspection gathers pace.

The Economist

Once Passion gathers pace, it becomes unputdownable.

The Guardian - Books

The fightback gathers speed and gathers pace," he said.

The Guardian

But as their story gathers pace, there are big payoffs.

The Guardian

He trots backward, gathers pace, and aims another kick.

The New Yorker

He trots backwards, gathers pace, and aims another kick.

The Guardian

More names are likely to surface as the investigation gathers pace, officials said.

The New York Times

As recovery seemingly gathers pace and we approach the new year, investors must tread carefully.

Independent

As the national debate gathers pace, we ought to dispel two popular myths about human rights.

Independent

As the offshore wind industry gathers pace, Britain could still emerge as a manufacturing power.

The New York Times

Joining the Butterfly Hunt The Independent's Great British Butterfly Hunt gathers pace.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gathers pace" to describe situations where progress or intensity is visibly increasing, such as "As the investigation gathers pace, more details are emerging."

Common error

Avoid using "gathers pace" to describe static objects or situations that cannot inherently increase in speed or intensity. For example, it's better to say "The storm intensified" rather than "The storm gathers pace".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gathers pace" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of increasing speed or intensity. Ludwig AI supports this by showing examples where it's used to describe processes like investigations or economic recoveries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gathers pace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates an increasing speed or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is best suited for describing processes or events that are actively progressing and accelerating, such as "As the investigation gathers pace, more details are emerging". While generally neutral, it's important to avoid using it with static objects. Alternatives include "picks up speed", "gains momentum", and "accelerates", offering subtle differences in emphasis. This analysis, supported by numerous real-world examples, underscores the phrase's utility in professional, news, and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picks up speed

Focuses on the increasing velocity of something.

gains momentum

Emphasizes the increasing force or impetus behind something.

accelerates

Highlights the rate of increase in speed or progress.

intensifies

Suggests an increase in strength, force, or severity.

escalates

Implies a rapid increase in intensity or seriousness, often in a negative context.

builds up

Describes a gradual increase in something over time.

steps up

Suggests a deliberate increase in effort or activity.

advances

Focuses on forward movement or progress.

moves forward

Indicates progression toward a goal or objective.

ramps up

Suggests a sharp increase in production or activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "gathers pace" to describe the increasing speed or intensity of an event or process. For example, "As the project deadline approaches, the work "gathers pace"".

What are some alternatives to "gathers pace"?

Some alternatives to "gathers pace" include "picks up speed", "gains momentum", or "accelerates". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something "gathers pace quickly"?

While grammatically correct, saying something "gathers pace quickly" can be redundant. The phrase "gathers pace" already implies an increase in speed. Consider using a stronger verb or adverb instead, such as "The process accelerated rapidly".

What is the difference between "gathers pace" and "gains momentum"?

"Gathers pace" emphasizes the increasing speed, while "gains momentum" highlights the increasing force or impetus behind the action. Although they're similar and often interchangeable, "gains momentum" is better when referring to abstract processes and actions.