has gained ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gained ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an idea, trend, or movement is becoming more accepted or popular over time. Example: "The concept of remote work has gained ground in recent years, especially after the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Juppé has gained ground.

The Economist

The conservative opposition has gained ground.

The Economist

But Mr Crocker's view has gained ground.

The Economist

China already has gained ground.

The Washington Post

Instead, it is the incumbent who has gained ground.

The New York Times

As European banks flail, Citi has gained ground.

The New York Times

As electrocution has lost favor, lethal injection has gained ground.

The New Yorker

The stock market has gained ground for six consecutive weeks.

The New York Times

On the commercial front, too, Hamas has gained ground.

The Economist

"Northrop has gained ground and Lockheed has lost".

The New York Times

But the ACT in recent years has gained ground.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has gained ground", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming more prevalent or successful. For example, "renewable energy has gained ground as a viable alternative to fossil fuels" provides a clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "has gained ground" when referring to something that has simply increased in quantity, rather than influence or acceptance. For example, it's more appropriate to say "the company has increased its profits" instead of "the company "has gained ground" in profits", unless you're implying that the profits have improved the company's overall position or influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gained ground" functions as a verbal phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It indicates that a subject (an idea, movement, technology, etc.) has advanced or become more accepted. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is used to denote increasing influence or popularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has gained ground" is a versatile phrase used to describe the increasing acceptance, influence, or popularity of an idea, trend, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, science, and academia. While several alternative phrases exist, each carries slightly different connotations. When using "has gained ground", be sure to clearly define what is progressing and avoid confusing it with simple increases in quantity. The phrase’s frequency and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has made headway

Focuses on progress being made, implying forward movement despite obstacles.

has progressed

Implies forward movement and development over time.

has advanced

Indicates forward movement, often suggesting strategic or significant progress.

has improved

Highlights the aspect of betterment or enhancement.

has become more popular

Specifically emphasizes an increase in favor or acceptance among people.

has gained traction

Suggests increasing momentum and wider adoption.

has taken root

Implies that something has become established and is growing stronger.

has established itself

Focuses on achieving a firm position or recognition.

has risen in prominence

Highlights an increase in importance and visibility.

has flourished

Suggests a thriving and successful development.

FAQs

How can I use "has gained ground" in a sentence?

Use "has gained ground" to indicate that something is becoming more accepted, popular, or influential. For example, "The idea of universal basic income has gained ground in recent political discussions."

What are some alternatives to saying "has gained ground"?

You can use alternatives like "has made headway", "has progressed", or "has gained traction" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has gained grounds" instead of "has gained ground"?

No, the correct phrase is "has gained ground". The term "ground" here is used metaphorically to represent position or advantage, and it's not typically pluralized in this context.

What is the difference between "has gained ground" and "has gained momentum"?

"Has gained ground" implies that something is becoming more accepted or influential, while "has gained momentum" suggests that something is increasing in speed or force. The former focuses on the expansion of influence, the latter on the acceleration of progress.