has traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an idea, project, or product is gaining popularity, support, or acceptance. Example: "The new marketing strategy has traction among our target audience, leading to increased sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The idea has traction.

The New York Times

The one-nation line he is developing has traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are signs that the political strategy has traction.

The New York Times

Gail: I am hoping that one has traction.

The New York Times

If this salve has traction, it is in part because of the shifting marketplace.

The New York Times

"It has traction whether we like it or not," said a colleague.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

His ideas have traction.

The Guardian - Books

But if no wheels have traction, A.B.S. won't work.

The New Yorker

But censure and condemnation of homosexuals still have traction.

The New York Times

Jonathon Keats writing in Wired has identified four letters that may have traction: bacn.

The New York Times

The online response was so enthusiastic that Deadpool abruptly had traction again.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has traction" to indicate that an idea, project, or marketing campaign is gaining popularity and achieving tangible results.

Common error

Avoid using "has traction" when describing situations that are not actively progressing or gaining support. This phrase implies forward movement and growing influence, which would be misleading in a static context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has traction" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject (e.g., "the idea", "this project") to indicate that the subject is gaining momentum, popularity, or acceptance. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies progress and support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has traction" is a common phrase used to convey that something is gaining momentum, popularity, or acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it signifies active progress and growing influence. While various alternatives exist, like "is gaining momentum" and "is catching on", using "has traction" appropriately indicates an understanding of its nuance in describing forward movement. Avoid using it in contexts that are stagnant or not actively progressing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is gaining momentum

Emphasizes the increasing speed and force behind an idea or project.

is gaining ground

Highlights the gradual increase in support or acceptance.

is becoming popular

Focuses on the increasing favor or liking of something by a larger group.

is taking hold

Suggests that something is establishing itself firmly.

is catching on

Implies that something is becoming widely understood or adopted.

is proving effective

Highlights the demonstrated success and positive results.

is resonating with

Indicates that something is striking a chord or creating an emotional connection.

is making inroads

Suggests initial progress in a challenging situation.

is gathering support

Highlights the increasing number of people who are backing something.

is gaining acceptance

Focuses on the increasing approval or agreement with something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "has traction"?

When something "has traction", it means it is "gaining momentum", popularity, or acceptance. It implies that an idea, project, or product is making progress and attracting support.

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

You can use "has traction" to describe something that is gaining popularity or making progress, such as "The new marketing strategy "has traction" among our target audience, leading to increased sales."

Which is more appropriate, "is gaining traction" or "has traction"?

Both "is gaining traction" and "has traction" are correct. "Is gaining traction" describes an ongoing process, while "has traction" indicates a current state of gaining momentum or having influence. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.

What are some alternatives to saying something "has traction"?

Some alternatives to saying something "has traction" include "is gaining momentum", "is gaining ground", or "is becoming popular", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.