is catching on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is catching on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming popular or gaining acceptance over time. Example: "The new trend of remote work is catching on among professionals who value flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But now it is catching on elsewhere.

The Economist

Even so, it is catching on quickly.

The Economist

The idea is catching on overseas, too.

The New York Times

The phenomenon is catching on nationwide.

The New York Times - Travel

The change is catching on slowly.

The New York Times

"But the technology is catching on".

The New York Times - Tech

But it is catching on fast.

The New York Times - Food

The vocation is catching on internationally as well.

The New York Times

The idea is catching on in other cities as well.

The New York Times

But the notion is catching on with larger enterprises.

The New York Times - Tech

Elsewhere, wood is catching on in quite different ways.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is catching on" to describe a trend, idea, or practice that is becoming increasingly popular or accepted. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is gaining popularity.

Common error

Avoid using "is catching on" when describing something that is already widely established or has been popular for a long time. The phrase implies a relatively recent increase in popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is catching on" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is gaining popularity or acceptance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples show it describing trends, technologies, and ideas that are becoming more widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is catching on" is a versatile idiom used to describe the increasing popularity or acceptance of a trend, idea, or technology. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used. With a neutral register and high frequency across news, business, and general media, it effectively conveys the growing momentum of various phenomena. When writing, remember to apply it to trends that are actively gaining popularity and consider alternatives like "is gaining traction" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming popular

Directly indicates a rise in popularity and widespread appeal.

is on the rise

Emphasizes the upward trend and increasing prevalence.

is gaining traction

Focuses on the idea of something gaining momentum and becoming more established.

is taking off

Implies a rapid increase in popularity or success, like a plane taking off.

is gaining acceptance

Highlights the increasing approval and adoption of an idea or practice.

is becoming widespread

Focuses on the geographic or demographic expansion of something.

is being adopted

Highlights the active choice to use or implement something new.

is trending

Refers to the current popularity of something, often in social media contexts.

is flourishing

Implies a successful and thriving increase in something.

is gathering steam

Suggests a gradual but increasing buildup of momentum.

FAQs

How can I use "is catching on" in a sentence?

You can use "is catching on" to describe trends or ideas that are becoming more popular. For example, "The trend of using reusable shopping bags "is catching on" as people become more environmentally conscious."

What are some alternatives to "is catching on"?

Alternatives include "is gaining traction", "is becoming popular", or "is on the rise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is catching on" in formal writing?

Yes, "is catching on" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when describing trends or developments. However, consider using alternatives like "is gaining acceptance" for a more formal tone in some contexts.

What's the difference between "is catching on" and "is becoming popular"?

While similar, "is catching on" often implies a more recent or gradual increase in popularity, whereas "is becoming popular" can describe a more rapid or already noticeable increase. They are largely interchangeable, but "is catching on" might suggest an earlier stage of adoption.