have gained ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have gained ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an idea, movement, or trend is becoming more accepted or popular over time. Example: "In recent years, renewable energy sources have gained ground as a viable alternative to fossil fuels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They have gained ground in some places".

The Guardian

And other extremists have gained ground across the region.

The New York Times

At the same time, the Knicks could have gained ground.

The New York Times - Sports

Kurds have gained ground in Iraq, cld seek independence.

The Guardian

Some places have gained ground on the epidemic.

The New York Times

Maize and soyabean prices have gained ground from 1999's historic lows.

The Economist

In doing so, it encourages xenophobic ideas that have gained ground since the crash.

The Economist

Right-wing populist parties have gained ground, most dangerously in Poland.

The Economist

For these reasons, macroscopic constitutive models have gained ground in SMA designs.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

Such ideas have gained ground recently, she believes, while mainstream interpretations have been drowned out.

The Guardian

He asserts that "farmers and workers seem to have gained ground between 1900 and 1914".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have gained ground", ensure the context clearly indicates what is advancing or becoming more accepted. Specify the area or field in which progress is being made for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have gained ground" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "Technology has gained ground", specify "Technology has gained ground in education", to provide better focus and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have gained ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating progress or advancement. Ludwig AI's examples show it describing the increased acceptance or influence of various subjects, from political ideologies to technological developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have gained ground" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe progress, increased acceptance, or growing influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While "have gained ground" is considered neutral in tone, it's important to specify the context in which progress is being made to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as ""have made headway"" or ""have gained traction"" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. Overall, "have gained ground" is a reliable and effective way to communicate advancement in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have made headway

Indicates progress, but focuses more on overcoming obstacles or challenges.

have gained traction

Emphasizes the increasing momentum or influence of something.

have advanced

Implies forward movement and improvement in a general sense.

have progressed

Similar to 'advanced', but emphasizes a sequential development.

have improved

Focuses specifically on the enhancement of quality or condition.

have become more popular

Highlights an increase in favor or acceptance among people.

have moved forward

Indicates a general sense of advancement or development, often after a setback.

have expanded their influence

Focuses on increasing power or authority.

have extended their reach

Highlights the broadening of scope or coverage.

have established a foothold

Suggests securing an initial, stable position from which to grow.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is said to "have gained ground"?

When something is said to "have gained ground", it means it has made progress, become more accepted, or increased in popularity or influence.

What can I say instead of "have gained ground"?

You can use alternatives like "have made headway", "have gained traction", or "have advanced" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "have gained ground" or "has gained ground"?

"Have gained ground" is correct when referring to a plural subject. "Has gained ground" is correct when referring to a singular subject.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "have gained ground"?

The phrase "have gained ground" is suitable in contexts where you want to highlight the progress, increased acceptance, or growing influence of an idea, movement, technology, or any other subject.