has gathered pace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has gathered 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: "The movement for climate action has gathered pace in recent years, attracting more supporters and media attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain's recovery has gathered pace.

The Economist

The whirlwind has gathered pace.

The Guardian - Sport

In recent weeks, that storyline has gathered pace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Privatisation has gathered pace under Kibaki and the country has been touted as an African tiger.

The Guardian

Criticism of the demolition plan has gathered pace in recent days.

The Guardian

After months of turbulence on the foreign-exchange markets, during which the dollar drifted downwards, the decline has gathered pace.

The Economist

Meanwhile, their share prices have suffered as the unwinding of cross-shareholdings among keiretsu companies has gathered pace.

The Economist

Since then, the BYOD (bring you own device) phenomenon has gathered pace, as tablets have become cheaper, more secure, and have proved themselves capable of doing real work.

The Economist

Since then, the fighting has gathered pace again.Last year, hit-and-run attacks claimed the lives of one or two policemen a month.

The Economist

Diplomacy surrounding Syria has gathered pace since September, when Russia and the United States brokered a deal for the Syrian government to give up its chemical weapons.

The New York Times

And indeed since a key speech by Crown Prince Abdullah in 1998, in which he plainly stated that the oil boom was over, economic reform has gathered pace.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has gathered pace" when describing a process, movement, or trend that is becoming faster or more intense over time. Ensure that the subject is something that can logically increase in speed or momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "has gathered pace" to describe static objects or situations that cannot logically accelerate. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The building has gathered pace" unless referring to its construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has gathered pace" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically forming part of the predicate. According to Ludwig, it indicates that a subject is increasing in speed, intensity, or momentum. This is supported by the numerous examples in the provided data.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has gathered pace" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media, and other more formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability for describing events or processes that are increasing in speed or intensity. As an alternative you can say for example "has gained momentum". While generally versatile, it's best suited for subjects capable of acceleration. Therefore, to prevent some mistakes, avoid using it with inanimate objects or static states. The phrase's consistent usage across reputable sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in conveying a sense of growing momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has accelerated

Emphasizes a quicker increase in speed or rate.

has gained momentum

Highlights the build-up of forward movement or progress.

has picked up speed

Focuses on the increase in velocity or swiftness.

has intensified

Stresses the increase in strength or force.

has escalated

Indicates a rise in intensity, often in a negative context.

has quickened

Suggests an increase in the rate or tempo of something.

has advanced rapidly

Highlights the swift progress or development.

has surged forward

Implies a sudden and powerful increase in movement.

has taken off

Suggests a sudden and significant increase in popularity or success.

has built up steam

Indicates a gradual increase in power or energy.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has gathered pace"?

When something "has gathered pace", it means that it is increasing in speed, intensity, or momentum. It suggests that the process or activity is becoming more rapid or forceful over time.

How can I use "has gathered pace" in a sentence?

You can use "has gathered pace" to describe situations where progress is accelerating. For example, "The campaign for environmental awareness "has gathered pace" in recent years."

What are some alternatives to saying "has gathered pace"?

Some alternatives include "has accelerated", "has gained momentum", or "has picked up speed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "has gained momentum" or "has gathered pace"?

Both phrases are similar, but "has gained momentum" often implies a broader sense of increasing support or influence, while "has gathered pace" focuses more on increasing speed or intensity. They are largely interchangeable, but consider the specific context.