it gained ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it gained ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an idea, trend, or movement is becoming more accepted or popular over time. Example: "The concept of remote work gained ground during the pandemic as more companies adapted to the changing circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But as it gained ground in the West, the International Judo Federation caved in to pressure from countries like Britain and France, who demanded a women's world championships.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, it gained ground in the mid 1970s in response to appalling abuse in the British criminal process and prisons following allegations of injustice regarding suspected IRA terrorists.

Independent

Roush was slow to adjust to the Car of Tomorrow last year, but it gained ground in the second half of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

In the event it gained ground, as accusations that it was a pyramid scheme – denied by the slimming powder company – failed to stick.

The Guardian - Business

The road to creating YES began when the Yankees and the Nets merged in 1999, but it gained ground last year when the Yankees and the International Management Group proposed creating a network that was valued as high as $2.4 billion.

The New York Times - Sports

It gained ground in the Renaissance, as artists became celebrities within their cities.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

How their view plays out, and whether it gains ground, is unclear.

The New York Times

That helped it gain ground against the leader, Universal, which has a 28 percent share, and kept it well ahead of Warner, at 15 percent, and EMI, at 10 percent.

The New York Times - Tech

Schick is a perennial also-ran against Gillette, the dominant Procter & Gamble brand, but marketers said the Hydro would help it gain ground.

The New York Times

Advanced Micro hopes Alchemy's chips will help it gain ground in the emerging market for portable Internet access devices, where it faces stiff competition.

The New York Times

It's this area of cloud computing where IBM hopes that Red Hat can help it gain ground.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it gained ground" to describe the increasing acceptance, influence, or prevalence of an idea, movement, or technology over time. Ensure that the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to and that the progression is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "it gained ground" when a more active voice would be clearer and more direct. If a specific actor caused the advancement, use a sentence structure highlighting that actor. For example, instead of "the technology gained ground", consider "developers helped the technology gain ground".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it gained ground" functions as a verb phrase, where "gained ground" acts as a predicate describing the action of the subject "it". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it gained ground" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase indicating that something has advanced, become more popular, or increased in influence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like ""it advanced"" or ""it became popular"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use an active voice where appropriate to maintain clarity and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it advanced

Focuses on the forward movement or progression of something, often in a competitive or strategic context.

it progressed

Highlights the step-by-step improvement or development of something over time.

it became popular

Emphasizes the increasing favor or widespread acceptance of something among people.

it found acceptance

Suggests that something was initially met with resistance but eventually became accepted.

it took hold

Implies that something established itself firmly and began to exert influence.

it expanded

Highlights the increasing size, scope, or reach of something.

it flourished

Suggests that something thrived and prospered, often in a favorable environment.

it prevailed

Indicates that something overcame obstacles and emerged victorious or dominant.

it won recognition

Focuses on the increasing acknowledgment or appreciation of something by others.

it gathered momentum

Emphasizes the increasing speed or force with which something is moving forward.

FAQs

What does "it gained ground" mean?

The phrase "it gained ground" means that something, like an idea, movement, or product, has become more popular, accepted, or influential over time. It suggests progress or advancement.

What are some synonyms for "it gained ground"?

Alternatives to "it gained ground" include "it advanced", "it progressed", or "it became popular", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "it gained ground" in a sentence?

You can use "it gained ground" to describe the increasing prevalence of something. For example, "The concept of sustainable living gained ground as environmental awareness increased."

Is "it gained ground" formal or informal?

"It gained ground" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "it advanced" or "it progressed".