a foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "a foremost" is a correct part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone or something as being especially important or prominent. For example: "She is a foremost scientist in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Austin Clarkson, a foremost Wolpe authority, speaks.

The New York Times - Arts

Creativity and innovation are acquiring a foremost importance in the scientific and engineering world.

Procedia CIRP

Ethical issues are a foremost consideration in the design and conduct of studies.

Neurotherapeutics

Providing diverse, ubiquitous and cost-effective broadband services is a foremost challenge for the telecommunication community.

Computer Networks

Konitza, a foremost polemicist, is the pioneer figure in Albanian literary criticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At Cornell, Duffield serves as a presidential councillor and is a foremost benefactor.

Cornell University

His grandson Ernst Robert Curtius (1886-1956) was a foremost literary scholar of the 20th century.

Cornell University

Abhiman Kaushal, a foremost disciple of Ustad Shiek Dawood Khan Saab.

Columbia University

Ionic conductivity is a foremost transport property that is extensively used to characterize and screen electrolyte systems.

Electrochimica Acta

contractors have made the interest of their workers a foremost concern".

The New York Times

A foremost factor for this limitation is the inability of these inhibitors to penetrate the bacterial cell wall.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a foremost" to highlight the primary or most important aspect of something you're describing. For instance, when discussing priorities, use it to emphasize the most crucial concern.

Common error

Avoid using "a foremost" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main" or "primary" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foremost" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically an adjective preceding a noun. It serves to emphasize the high rank, importance, or prominence of the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

24%

Science

34%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foremost" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to emphasize the significance or prominence of a noun. Ludwig AI validates this. Its use is particularly common in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for formal writing to avoid sounding pretentious in casual settings. Alternatives such as "leading" or "primary" can provide similar emphasis with a slightly different nuance. When aiming to highlight the most crucial aspect of a subject, "a foremost" provides a strong and effective option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading

This alternative emphasizes the position at the front or top in a particular field.

a principal

This alternative highlights the primary or main importance of something.

a paramount

This emphasizes the supreme importance or dominance of something.

a preeminent

This alternative suggests a superior or outstanding rank or dignity.

a chief

This focuses on the highest in rank or authority.

a dominant

This suggests a controlling or prevailing influence.

a top

This is a more informal way to indicate the highest rank or position.

a premier

This alternative emphasizes being the best or most important.

a primary

This highlights the fundamental or initial importance.

a number one

This is a direct and straightforward way of saying something is the best.

FAQs

How can I use "a foremost" in a sentence?

Use "a foremost" to emphasize the primary importance or prominence of something. For example, "Ethical issues are "a foremost consideration" in study design" or "He is "a foremost expert" in the field of linguistics".

What are some alternatives to "a foremost"?

You can use alternatives like "a leading", "a principal", or "a paramount" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a foremost" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a foremost" is generally more suited for formal or academic writing. In informal contexts, simpler terms like "main" or "primary" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a foremost" and "a leading"?

"A foremost" emphasizes primary importance, while "a leading" highlights a position at the front or top of a particular field. The best choice depends on whether you want to stress importance or position.