get traction

USAGE SUMMARY

"get traction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to gaining momentum, support, or attention in a particular situation or endeavor. For example, "We need to find ways to get traction on our marketing campaign if we want to increase sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So these things get traction".

The New York Times - Science

We hope it will get traction internationally.

Independent

They spread it underneath the tires to get traction.

The New York Times

"We just didn't get traction with the Russians.

The New York Times

Yet it has been slow to get traction.

The New York Times

Suddenly, the arguments of movement conservatives began to get traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such stories don't get traction in the national media, though.

The Guardian

"You can come from the top down and not get traction, and you can come from the bottom up and not get traction".

The New York Times

If that sort of thing becomes common, he said, "they're going to get traction, and I don't want any competitor to get traction where I can stop it".

The New York Times

Even popular comediennes — Totie Fields in the sixties, Elayne Boosler in the eighties — couldn't get traction.

The New Yorker

"A bar that basically started as a literary hangout would never get traction now".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get traction" when you want to emphasize the initial stages of gaining momentum or acceptance for an idea, project, or product.

Common error

Avoid using "get traction" when you actually mean to say "gain attraction". Traction refers to gaining momentum or acceptance, while attraction refers to drawing interest or appeal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get traction" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the process of gaining momentum, acceptance, or support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. The examples show it applied in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get traction" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes the process of gaining momentum, acceptance, or support. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal settings, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. Remember to use "get traction" when you want to emphasize the initial stages of progress and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "gain attraction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed or force of progress.

achieve success

Emphasizes the accomplishment of a desired outcome or aim.

gain acceptance

Highlights the process of being accepted or approved.

make headway

Indicates progress, especially when facing difficulties.

take hold

Suggests something is becoming established or popular.

become established

Implies a firm and recognized position.

catch on

Refers to becoming popular or widely understood.

pick up steam

Similar to gaining momentum, suggesting increasing power or energy.

flourish

Focuses on thriving and growing successfully.

bear fruit

Highlights positive results or outcomes from effort.

FAQs

How can I use "get traction" in a sentence?

You can use "get traction" to describe when an idea, project, or product starts to gain momentum or acceptance. For example, "The new marketing campaign is starting to "get traction"."

What can I say instead of "get traction"?

You can use alternatives like "gain momentum", "achieve success", or "make headway" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "get traction"?

"Get traction" is suitable when referring to the initial phase of gaining support or momentum for something. It suggests that something is starting to move forward or gain acceptance.

Is "get traction" formal or informal?

"Get traction" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.