a head of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a head of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to somebody who is in charge of a particular group or organization. For example, "She was chosen as the head of the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's like a head of steam.

The Guardian - Film

And today there is a head of steam to vent.

The Economist

You should have done it as a head of state.

The New York Times

Weigh a head of broccoli, eyeball the cell.

The New York Times

Even though there's a head of human resources and a head of purchasing, there's more of a sense of openness.

The New York Times

A head of a nonprofit group sees grants disappear.

The New York Times

Well, Ecclestone is a head of state, in a sense.

The Guardian - Sport

The editor had been replaced by a "head of content".

The Guardian

"She's hardly a head of state," Dr. Dornhaus said.

The New York Times - Science

"I am a head of state, not a bully".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The president's going to have to forge a head-of-state to head-of-state dialogue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a head of" to denote leadership, ensure the context clearly defines what the person or group is leading. For instance, "a head of marketing" is more precise than simply "a head."

Common error

Avoid using "a head of" without clearly specifying the area of responsibility or group being led. Ambiguity can lead to confusion, so clarity is crucial for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a head of" functions primarily as a noun modifier, specifying the leadership role or position within an organization or group. Ludwig confirms that is a correct phrase to use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a head of" is commonly used to denote a leadership position within an organization or to refer to a unit of a specific item. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, followed by science and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid ambiguity, especially when referring to leadership roles. Alternatives like "leader of" or "chief of" can provide more specific connotations, depending on the context. Ultimately, the choice of phrase depends on the desired level of formality and the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one head of

Emphasis the individuality or uniqueness of the leading role.

leader of

Focuses specifically on the leadership aspect, omitting other possible meanings such as quantity.

director of

Highlights the role of someone who is in charge of an organization or part of an organization.

chief of

Similar to "leader of", this implies a higher rank or authority.

manager of

Emphasizes the managerial responsibilities of the role.

in charge of

Highlights the responsibility and control over something.

overseeing

Implies a supervisory role, with a focus on monitoring and directing activities.

responsible for

Highlights the accountability associated with a task or group.

the top of

Indicates the highest position in a hierarchy or structure.

a quantity of

Shifts the meaning to refer to an amount or portion, losing the leadership aspect.

FAQs

How is "a head of" used to describe someone's role?

The phrase "a head of" usually refers to someone who leads a particular group or department. For example, you might have "a head of marketing" or "a head of sales".

What is an alternative to using the phrase "a head of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leader of", "chief of", or "manager of".

Is it correct to say "head of" instead of "a head of"?

Both "head of" and "a head of" are grammatically correct, but "a head of" is used when introducing the role or person for the first time or when the noun is indefinite. "Head of" is often used when referring to a specific, known role, but there are exceptions when the noun is indefinite or the reference is general.

When should I use "a leader of" instead of "a head of"?

While both refer to leadership roles, "a head of" typically implies an official or organizational position. "A leader of" can refer to someone who inspires or guides, even without a formal title. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the official role or the act of leading.