a commanding lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commanding lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as sports, competitions, or any situation where one party has a significant advantage over others. Example: "The team maintained a commanding lead throughout the match, securing their victory with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It immediately built a commanding lead.

The New York Times

Hillary Clinton has established a commanding lead.

The New York Times

By then, the Direwolves had a commanding lead.

The New Yorker

Latest odds put Clegg in a commanding lead.

The Guardian

But late polls showed Mr. Romney holding a commanding lead into primary day.

The New York Times

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, once a political exile, had a commanding lead.

The New York Times

IN THE NEWS Another poll shows Mr. de Blasio with a commanding lead over Mr. Lhota.

The New York Times

On a fifth ad point, Shvedova prevailed and assumed a commanding lead, 4-0.

The New York Times

Tampa Bay capitalized on Boston mistakes to take a commanding lead.

The New York Times - Sports

A sign of panic, some commentators suggested.Nonetheless Mrs Clinton retains a commanding lead.

The Economist

In what seemed like an inevitable fifth-set tiebreaker, Karlovic took a commanding lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a commanding lead" to emphasize a significant advantage that one party has over others. Ensure the context clearly shows the dominance implied by the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a commanding lead" to describe situations where the advantage is minimal or easily surmountable. This can create a misleading impression of the actual state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commanding lead" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a state of having a significant advantage. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commanding lead" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significant advantage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While alternatives like ""a significant advantage"" or ""a dominant position"" exist, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of control and dominance. Remember to use the phrase when the advantage is genuinely substantial to avoid overstatement. With a neutral register and high frequency, it's a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advantage

Replaces "commanding lead" with a more general term for having an edge, suitable for broader contexts.

a dominant position

Emphasizes the control and power associated with the leading position.

a substantial advantage

Highlights the magnitude of the lead or advantage.

a decisive edge

Implies that the lead is likely to determine the outcome.

a firm lead

Suggests a strong and secure lead, less prone to being overturned.

a comfortable margin

Focuses on the ease and security that the lead provides.

a clear advantage

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the lead.

a strong foothold

Indicates a secure and stable position at the top.

a privileged position

Conveys that the lead grants special benefits or opportunities.

control of the game

Suggests that one party is dominating and dictating the course of events.

FAQs

How can I use "a commanding lead" in a sentence?

You can use "a commanding lead" to describe a situation where someone has a significant advantage. For example, "The team established a commanding lead in the first half."

What can I say instead of "a commanding lead"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advantage", "a dominant position", or "a substantial advantage" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a commanding lead"?

Use "a commanding lead" when you want to emphasize that one party has a clear and significant advantage over others, suggesting a strong likelihood of maintaining that lead.

What's the difference between "a commanding lead" and "a simple lead"?

"A commanding lead" suggests a substantial and secure advantage, whereas "a simple lead" implies a smaller, less certain advantage.