is gaining ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"is gaining ground" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe something that is becoming increasingly popular or widespread. For example: "The notion that renewable energy is more efficient than traditional energy sources is gaining ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Amid the chaos, Islamic State (IS) is gaining ground in Libya.

BBC

Latvia is gaining ground.

The Economist

That view is gaining ground.

The Economist

But the DA is gaining ground.

The Economist

Still, the idea is gaining ground.

The Economist

But the Coppola family is gaining ground.

The New York Times

This feeling is gaining ground.

The New York Times

Jeter is gaining ground quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Now Remicade is gaining ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the Olympic movement, every specialty is gaining ground.

The New Yorker

In Russia, anti-Western sentiment is gaining ground.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is gaining ground" to describe the increasing acceptance, influence, or popularity of an idea, movement, or technology. For example, "Remote work is gaining ground as companies recognize its benefits."

Common error

Avoid using "is gaining ground" when referring to physical objects literally moving across a surface. It's best suited for abstract concepts or trends. For instance, instead of saying 'The car is gaining ground on the race track,' use 'The car is catching up.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is gaining ground" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence. It typically describes a subject that is making progress, becoming more popular, or increasing in influence. Ludwig showcases many examples where it describes trends, ideas, or movements that are becoming more widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is gaining ground" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates increasing progress, acceptance, or popularity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in diverse writing contexts, ranging from news reports to business analyses. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as increasing momentum or establishing stability. When aiming for clarity and impact, remember that precision trumps generality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming more popular

Focuses on increasing popularity or acceptance.

is gaining traction

Emphasizes increasing momentum and adoption.

is making headway

Highlights progress and advancement.

is advancing

Simply indicates forward movement and progress.

is progressing

Similar to 'advancing' but can suggest a more gradual process.

is becoming established

Suggests increasing stability and acceptance.

is taking root

Implies a growing presence and foundation.

is on the rise

Highlights an increase in influence or prevalence.

is gathering momentum

Stresses the increasing speed and force of progress.

is flourishing

Emphasizes strong growth and success.

FAQs

How can I use "is gaining ground" in a sentence?

Use "is gaining ground" to indicate that something is becoming more popular, accepted, or influential. For example, "The idea of sustainable living "is gaining ground" as people become more aware of environmental issues."

What are some alternatives to "is gaining ground"?

You can use alternatives such as "is becoming more popular", "is gaining traction", or "is making headway" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is gaining ground" in formal writing?

Yes, "is gaining ground" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a grammatically correct and widely understood phrase. Its formality would be considered neutral, making it adequate for most forms of academic writing.

What's the difference between "is gaining ground" and "is gaining momentum"?

"Is gaining ground" suggests increasing acceptance or influence over time, while "is gaining momentum" implies an increase in speed or force. While similar, momentum emphasizes acceleration, whereas ground focuses on overall progress or acceptance.