up and coming

USAGE SUMMARY

"up and coming" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to people or things that are on the verge of becoming popular or successful. For example, "John is an up and coming musician who has been gaining recognition in the music industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Every up and coming man.

The New Yorker

"Yeah, I'm up and coming," Allen laughs.

The Guardian

"They don't know it's up and coming".

The New York Times

Thus he backed Blair when Tony was up and coming.

The Guardian

A obligatory stop for up and coming acts.

The Guardian

I need someone up and coming, young, hip.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I don't want an up-and-coming coach," he said.

BBC

It's an up-and-coming area.

Independent

Estate agents suggested up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

Independent

Up-and-coming stars are also defecting.

The Economist

"He's up-and-coming.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person or entity as "up and coming", provide specific examples of their work or achievements to support your claim and add credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "up and coming" for individuals or entities that have already achieved significant widespread success. The phrase implies potential rather than established dominance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up and coming" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It is used attributively to describe nouns, indicating that they are likely to be successful or prominent in the future. As noted by Ludwig, this term is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "up and coming" is a commonly used adjective phrase that describes something or someone with the potential for future success. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It’s primarily used in news and media, business, and general contexts. While "up and coming" is generally appropriate, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding its application to already established entities. Consider alternatives like "promising" or "rising star" for nuanced expression. The phrase is versatile and useful for conveying potential and progress in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising

Single word synonym that directly indicates potential for success.

rising star

Emphasizes the individual's potential for stardom and fame.

on the rise

Highlights the upward trajectory and increasing visibility.

budding

Focuses on the early stages of development and potential growth.

emerging

Suggests a gradual appearance and gaining of recognition.

gaining traction

Indicates increasing momentum and popularity.

showing potential

Directly points out the capacity for future achievement.

ones to watch

Highlights individuals or entities deserving attention and anticipation.

future success

Highlights the expectation of succeeding in the future.

making strides

Implies significant progress and advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "up and coming" in a sentence?

You can use "up and coming" to describe someone or something that is likely to be successful in the future. For example, "She is an up and coming actress", or "This neighborhood is an up and coming area".

What's a good alternative to "up and coming"?

Alternatives include "promising", "rising star", or "on the rise", depending on the context.

Is "up-and-coming" or "up and coming" correct?

"Up-and-coming" is often hyphenated, but "up and coming" is also acceptable, especially in less formal contexts. Both forms are widely used and understood.

What does it mean to describe a neighborhood as "up and coming"?

It means that the neighborhood is undergoing positive changes and is expected to become more desirable and valuable in the future. This can include increased investment, new businesses, and improved infrastructure.