was gaining traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was gaining traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, idea, or trend that is becoming more popular or accepted over time. Example: "The new marketing strategy was gaining traction among consumers, leading to increased sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The reports signaled the economy was gaining traction.

The New York Times

Samsung was gaining traction with the latest Galaxy phones.

The New York Times

Back in the late 2000s, WomenCentre's vision was gaining traction.

The Guardian

A separatist movement was gaining traction in the country's east.

Independent

As Vine gained popularity, a new rave genre was gaining traction online: Jersey club.

The Guardian - Music

Another report suggested that the Fed's stimulus plan was gaining traction in the housing sector.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Labour's reforms were gaining traction.

The Economist

Incredibly enough, this message is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Dubai is gaining traction in finance, too.

The Economist

The attacks may be gaining traction.

The Guardian

The issue is gaining traction nationally.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was gaining traction" to describe a situation, idea, or product that is becoming more accepted or successful over time. It implies a sense of forward progress and increasing momentum. For example, "The new social media campaign was gaining traction among younger audiences."

Common error

Avoid using "was gaining traction" to describe a situation that is static or unchanging. The phrase implies movement and progress, so it's inappropriate for describing something that is not actively developing. For instance, don't say, "The outdated policy was gaining traction" if the policy is simply remaining unchanged and unpopular.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was gaining traction" functions as a verbal phrase within a clause, typically serving as part of the predicate. It indicates that a subject (idea, plan, movement, etc.) is progressively becoming more accepted, popular, or successful. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely accepted and used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was gaining traction" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating increasing acceptance, momentum, or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media sources, it also sees use in formal business and scientific writing. When writing, use this phrase to describe situations or ideas that are progressively becoming more accepted or successful, while avoiding its application to static or unchanging scenarios. Alternatives include phrases like "was gaining momentum" or "was gaining ground", offering subtle variations in meaning. This analysis, supported by numerous examples, provides a clear understanding of the phrase's proper usage and significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was experiencing traction

Emphasizes the sensation or feeling of progress being made.

was gaining momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of progress.

was gaining ground

Highlights the idea of overcoming obstacles and advancing.

was gaining impetus

Suggests the infusion of energy or motivation that drives progress.

was gaining currency

Indicates increasing acceptance and widespread use of an idea or concept.

was becoming popular

Simplifies the phrase to highlight increasing appeal.

began to take hold

Focuses on the establishment and entrenchment of an idea or practice.

started to catch on

Suggests a gradual and widespread acceptance or adoption.

was making headway

Highlights progress and advancement towards a goal.

was on the rise

Emphasizes the increasing prevalence or influence of something.

FAQs

What does "was gaining traction" mean?

The phrase "was gaining traction" means that something was becoming more popular, accepted, or successful over time. It implies increasing momentum or progress.

What can I say instead of "was gaining traction"?

You can use alternatives like "was gaining momentum", "was gaining ground", or "was becoming popular" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "was gaining traction" in a sentence?

You can use "was gaining traction" to describe a trend, idea, or movement that is becoming more widely accepted. For example, "The concept of remote work was gaining traction due to technological advancements."

Is there a difference between "was gaining traction" and "was getting traction"?

The phrases "was gaining traction" and "was getting traction" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "was gaining traction" might suggest a more gradual and sustained increase in popularity or acceptance.