increase traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increase traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the act of gaining support, popularity, or momentum for an idea, product, or initiative. Example: "Our marketing campaign aims to increase traction for our new app among young professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

To increase traction, the fishermen wear high-top sneakers.

The New York Times - Food

The rubber mesh over the toe aims to increase traction by providing an additional sticky surface.

The New York Times

(The smooth granite is apparently too slippery. Workers have begun putting grooves in the surface to increase traction).

The New York Times

Similarly, manufacturers tinker with the makeup of rubber compounds to increase traction, and redesign treads to give a quieter ride.

The New York Times

The organization provides game-ready basketballs for warm-ups and sideline "sticky mats" that are covered with adhesive to remove dirt and dust from the bottoms of sneakers to increase traction.

The New York Times

Over the next 12 months, Hinde plans to double Waldo's subscriber base and increase traction in specific European markets.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or an agreement among a core group of big emitters — an idea gaining increasing traction among environmentalists and even the White House?

The New York Times

The 2-4-0 had four 10in wheels at the rear that increased traction and gave it better aerodynamics than the Tyrrell P34.

The Guardian - Sport

Connie Hedegaard, the EU climate commissioner, said there was an increasing "traction" for such an outcome, and that major developing and developed countries backed it.

The Guardian

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) in high-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) is gaining increasing traction.

European Urology Oncology

And it's rhetoric that has increasing traction across the continent, with populist, anti-austerity parties gaining ground in numerous countries.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing literal, physical traction, be specific about the surfaces involved. For example, instead of just saying "increase traction", specify "increase tire traction on icy roads".

Common error

Avoid using "increase traction" in contexts where more precise verbs would be appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "We need to increase traction with younger audiences", consider "We need to "engage"" or "We need to "connect with"" younger audiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increase traction" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of enhancing grip or support, whether literally (as in improving a tire's grip) or figuratively (as in gaining support for an idea). Ludwig AI validates its correct and usable nature in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "increase traction" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of improving grip or support, both literally and figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a variety of contexts. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, with a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about what kind of traction is being increased and to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "gain momentum" or "improve adhesion" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance grip

Focuses specifically on improving the physical adhesion between surfaces.

improve adhesion

Highlights the act of making something stick or adhere better.

boost purchase

Emphasizes gaining a firmer hold or advantage.

maximize adherence

Suggests achieving the highest possible level of sticking or following something.

gain momentum

Shifts the focus to building forward progress or speed.

build support

Highlights the accumulation of backing or approval.

expand reach

Focuses on extending influence or accessibility.

strengthen influence

Implies reinforcing the power to affect or sway.

accelerate progress

Emphasizes speeding up advancement or development.

foster adoption

Highlights encouraging the acceptance and use of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "increase traction" to describe improving grip in a physical sense, like "The new tires are designed to increase traction on wet roads". It can also be used figuratively, such as "The marketing campaign aims to increase traction among younger demographics".

What are some alternatives to "increase traction"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "gain momentum", "improve adhesion", or "build support".

Is it better to say "increase traction" or "gain traction"?

Both "increase traction" and "gain traction" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Increase traction" implies enhancing an existing level of grip or support, while "gain traction" suggests acquiring it from a starting point where it was lacking.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "increase traction"?

The phrase "increase traction" is appropriate in situations where something already has some level of grip or support, and the goal is to enhance it. This can be both literal, like improving tire grip, or figurative, like increasing the popularity of an idea.