is gaining traction

USAGE SUMMARY

"is gaining traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an idea or trend that is becoming increasingly popular or accepted. For example, "The initiative to reduce plastic consumption is gaining traction with the general public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Incredibly enough, this message is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Dubai is gaining traction in finance, too.

The Economist

The issue is gaining traction nationally.

The Guardian

There are signs her argument is gaining traction.

The New York Times

I sense that the idea is gaining traction here.

The New York Times

Now the idea of training students is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Improbably, his vision is gaining traction at Makerere.

The New York Times - Science

Such a bill is gaining traction in Congress.

The New York Times

Some say this is unrealistic, but the idea of free education is gaining traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Within the ADF the movement towards a greater role for special forces is gaining traction.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Labour's reforms were gaining traction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is gaining traction" to describe the increasing acceptance or popularity of an idea, trend, or movement. It implies a growing momentum and wider adoption.

Common error

Avoid using "is gaining traction" when simply describing something that is already popular or well-established. The phrase emphasizes a change in popularity, not a static state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is gaining traction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something is progressively becoming more accepted or popular. As shown by Ludwig, it commonly appears in descriptions of trends, ideas, or initiatives that are experiencing increasing momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is gaining traction" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that effectively conveys the increasing popularity or acceptance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, particularly within News & Media. While alternatives like "is becoming popular" or "is gaining momentum" exist, "is gaining traction" is a versatile phrase to describe a positive shift in acceptance or momentum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is gaining momentum

Emphasizes the increasing speed and force behind an idea or movement.

is gathering steam

Similar to gaining momentum, suggesting increasing power and energy.

is gaining ground

Suggests progress and advancement in acceptance or support.

is taking hold

Implies that something is establishing itself firmly.

is becoming popular

Replaces "gaining traction" with a more common synonym for increasing acceptance.

is building support

Specifically refers to increasing approval and backing for an idea or cause.

is on the rise

Highlights the increasing prevalence or popularity of something.

is catching on

An informal way of saying something is becoming widely understood or fashionable.

is becoming established

Focuses on the process of something becoming a norm or standard.

is spreading

Emphasizes the widespread adoption or awareness of something.

FAQs

What does "is gaining traction" mean?

The phrase "is gaining traction" means that something is becoming more popular and widely accepted. It suggests that an idea, trend, or initiative is starting to gain momentum and attract more support.

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

You can use "is gaining traction" to describe anything that is becoming more popular. For example, "The idea of remote work is gaining traction" or "The new marketing campaign is gaining traction with younger audiences."

What are some alternatives to "is gaining traction"?

You can use alternatives like "is becoming popular", "is gaining momentum", or "is catching on" to express a similar meaning.

Is "is gaining traction" formal or informal?

"Is gaining traction" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly academic, it is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and general conversation.