a forerunner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a forerunner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something or someone that precedes or paves the way for another, often in a context of innovation or development. Example: "The invention of the telephone was a forerunner to the modern smartphone, revolutionizing communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was a forerunner.

The Guardian

A failure or a forerunner?

The New Yorker

It was a forerunner to Miranda.

The New York Times - Magazine

NKVD, Soviet secret police agency, a forerunner of the KGB.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pyramids was a forerunner of the game snooker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pool was a forerunner of the game snooker.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a forerunner of much of his political verse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here they are performing with a forerunner, Daryl Hall.

The New York Times

Willis was invited to be a forerunner, but she declined.

The New York Times - Sports

The pagan festival of Samhain is a forerunner of Halloween.

The Guardian

The treatment was a forerunner to electroconvulsive therapy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a forerunner", clearly establish the relationship between it and what it precedes to ensure clarity for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "X was a forerunner", specify "X was a forerunner of Y."

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "a forerunner", it is directly responsible for the subsequent development. Sometimes, it may only share characteristics or exist in the same timeline without direct causation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a forerunner" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something or someone as preceding and potentially influencing what follows. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a forerunner" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that identifies something or someone as preceding and potentially influencing what follows. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and scientific sources. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the relationship between the "forerunner" and its successor. Alternatives like "a precursor" or "a predecessor" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context. When using "a forerunner", avoid assuming direct causation, and clarify the temporal relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precursor

Indicates something that comes before and influences the development of something else, similar to "a forerunner" but can imply a more direct causal relationship.

a predecessor

Refers to something that came before in a sequence or position, often in a more formal or official context. It is a direct antecedent.

an ancestor

Implies a direct lineage or origin, particularly used in biological or genealogical contexts; less common in abstract senses.

a harbinger

Suggests something that signals or foreshadows a future event; carries a stronger connotation of prediction.

a prototype

Denotes an initial model or design used for testing, focusing on the aspect of being an early version.

a pioneer

Emphasizes the act of being the first to explore or develop something, highlighting innovation and initiative.

an originator

Highlights the role of creating or initiating something, focusing on the act of bringing something into existence.

a leading light

Describes something that provides guidance or direction, differing by focusing on influence rather than precedence.

a trendsetter

Focuses on establishing new patterns or styles, shifting the emphasis to influence on current behavior rather than future events.

an early example

Simply denotes something that occurred early in a sequence or category, without necessarily implying influence or prediction.

FAQs

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

Use "a forerunner" to indicate something that precedes and potentially influences what comes after. For example, "The telegraph was "a forerunner" of the telephone."

What's the difference between "a forerunner" and "a precursor"?

While both terms indicate something that comes before, "a forerunner" often implies a more general anticipation or resemblance, whereas "a precursor" suggests a more direct causal relationship or necessary preliminary step.

Is it correct to use "a forerunner" when referring to people?

Yes, "a forerunner" can refer to a person who precedes others in a field or movement, acting as a precursor or innovator. For instance, "She was "a forerunner" in the field of women's rights."

What are some alternatives to using "a forerunner" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a predecessor", "a prototype", "a harbinger", or "a pioneer" to convey similar but nuanced meanings.