having gained

USAGE SUMMARY

"having gained" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something has happened before another event. For example, "Having gained his degree, John decided to look for a job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having gained membership, those efforts became even feebler.

The Economist

But now, having gained a foothold, disaster struck.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike me, he viewed himself as having gained the skills of a craftsman.

University of California, Berkeley

Having gained the experience, you are now much more attractive to other employers.

Breaking Into Information Security Crafting a Custom Career Path to Get the Job You Really Want

Prague residents mostly kept calm, having gained experience from a decade ago.

Independent

Having gained its credibility, it now needs to make better use of it.

The Economist

He returns to the Grail King and this time, having gained wisdom, performs his duties correctly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But now, having gained influence, it may be time that the field reconsiders.

The New York Times

It has about 800 employees, having gained about 400 with the Prime Retail deal.

The New York Times

Recent polls have shown a tightening race, with Mr. Gore having gained substantial ground since fall.

The New York Times

Many years later, having gained French citizenship, he seeks out the pilot's brother.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having gained", ensure the main clause clearly indicates the result or consequence of the acquisition. For example, "Having gained experience, she was promoted."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by placing the phrase "having gained" close to the subject that performed the action. Incorrect: "Having gained popularity, the album was a commercial success." Correct: "Having gained popularity, the band released a commercially successful album."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having gained" functions as a participial phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by indicating a prior action or state. It describes a condition achieved before the main action of the sentence, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having gained" is a versatile participial phrase used to indicate a prior action that influences a subsequent event or state. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally suitable for neutral and formal writing, ensuring correct placement to avoid misplaced modifiers is crucial. Consider alternative phrases like "after acquiring" or "upon obtaining" to enhance clarity or formality. Its high frequency in reputable sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after acquiring

Emphasizes the sequence of events, focusing on the act of acquiring before the subsequent action.

upon obtaining

Similar to "after acquiring", but with a slightly more formal tone.

once in possession of

Highlights the state of possessing something after it has been acquired.

after securing

Emphasizes the effort involved in obtaining something, suggesting it was not easily acquired.

with the acquisition of

Focuses on the act of acquiring something, often used in formal contexts.

on receiving

Specifically emphasizes the act of receiving something, rather than gaining it through effort.

subsequent to obtaining

A more formal and elaborate way of saying after obtaining, stressing the sequence.

with the benefit of

Highlights the advantages that come from having gained something.

possessing

Focuses solely on the state of possession, without explicitly mentioning the act of gaining.

now that [subject] has

States a condition that now exists. Can be used with slight alterations in sentences to match proper grammar.

FAQs

How can I use "having gained" in a sentence?

Use "having gained" to indicate that an action or state was achieved before another. For instance, "Having gained experience, she secured a better job".

What are some alternatives to "having gained"?

You can use alternatives such as "after acquiring", "upon obtaining", or "once in possession of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "having gained"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "having gained". This creates a participial phrase that modifies the subject of the main clause. For example, "Having gained knowledge, he was promoted".

What is the difference between "having gained" and "having obtained"?

"Having gained" generally implies effort or progress towards acquiring something, while "having obtained" simply means to have come into possession of something, without necessarily implying effort.