a leading platoon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leading platoon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a platoon that is at the forefront or taking the initiative in a military context or other organized group settings. Example: "The commanding officer praised a leading platoon for their bravery during the mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

An Italian shell exploded among a leading platoon and detonated a Bangalore torpedo, resulting in four killed and nine wounded.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Proof To make platoons in a single-lane A connected, such as the following and the leading platoon in Figure 11, some vehicles paralleling to the communication gap between the two disconnected platoons in adjacent lanes are needed.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The Rhodesian officer commanding the leading platoon, Second Lieutenant G B Mollett, took a section of men and dashed through the minefield to the summit; for this he later received the Distinguished Service Order.

Wikipedia

We define the inter-platoon space as the distance between the last vehicle of the leading platoon and the first vehicle of the following platoon, and the intra-platoon space as the distance between the vehicles within the same platoon.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As the 7th Parachute Battalion's leading platoon approached the guns, they were met with heavy fire from anti-aircraft and anti-tank guns.

Wikipedia

To make clear the seriousness of their charge, the major noted that six students from the previous officer class, who had graduated just two days before, were already leading platoons at a mountain warfare school.

The New York Times

In as little as six or seven months, after completing the Officer Basic Course in their given specialties, some of them would be leading platoons in those lands.

The New York Times

Born in Tel Aviv in 1940, eight years before Israel became a state, Drori joined the Israeli army when he was 17, and by age 20 he was leading platoons during Israel's incessant border skirmishes against Egypt and other Arab nations.

Los Angeles Times

Making the vehicles everywhere at any time available requires a dispatching of these vehicles over a city, this could be accomplished at a large scale by trailing several vehicles without mechanical link with a leading driven vehicle (platooning).

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Last summer, days into a new assignment leading a platoon in a volatile patch of southern Afghanistan, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army asked one of his soldiers to open fire on two Afghan men on motorcycles.

The Washington Post

And, when the music lover graduated from Ben Shemen, he joined the first platoon of the Palmach Strike Force, a leading unit in the Jewish military.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing military operations or structured movements, use "a leading platoon" to clearly indicate the platoon that is at the forefront or taking initiative.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading platoon" when you simply mean "a platoon" without the specific connotation of being at the front or in charge. Ensure that the context warrants the descriptor 'leading'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading platoon" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "leading" describes the platoon's position or role, indicating that it is at the front or in a position of control. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a leading platoon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a platoon at the forefront, whether physically or strategically. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse sources like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Understanding its function as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier helps writers use it appropriately, remembering to use alternative phrasings when the "leading" aspect isn't the focus. By avoiding common errors such as overusing this phrase where simple “platoon” would work, its impact is maximized. To enhance clarity and precision in your writing, consider exploring synonyms like "a vanguard platoon" or "a front-line platoon" to more accurately convey the desired meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a point platoon

Uses "point" instead of "leading" to specify the platoon that is at the very front and setting the direction.

a front-line platoon

Replaces "leading" with "front-line", directly indicating the platoon's position at the front.

a spearhead platoon

Replaces "leading" with "spearhead", highlighting the platoon's role in initiating an attack or movement.

a vanguard platoon

Replaces "leading" with "vanguard", emphasizing the platoon's role as being at the very front.

a foremost platoon

Uses "foremost" instead of "leading" to highlight the platoon's prominent position.

an advanced platoon

Uses "advanced" in place of "leading" to indicate the platoon is ahead of others.

a commanding platoon

Replaces "leading" with "commanding", which focuses on the platoon's position of authority.

a pioneering platoon

Substitutes "leading" with "pioneering" to suggest the platoon is breaking new ground.

a guiding platoon

Substitutes "leading" with "guiding" to emphasize the platoon's role in directing others.

a primary platoon

Substitutes "leading" with "primary" to suggest the platoon is the most important or main one.

FAQs

How can I use "a leading platoon" in a sentence?

Use "a leading platoon" to describe a specific platoon within a larger military unit that is at the forefront of an advance or operation. For example: "The general commended "a leading platoon" for their bravery."

What is a good alternative to "a leading platoon"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a vanguard platoon", "a front-line platoon", or "a spearhead platoon". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when a platoon is described as "leading"?

When a platoon is described as "leading", it indicates that it is positioned at the front, taking the initiative, or setting the pace for other platoons or units. It implies a position of responsibility and potential risk.

In what situations would I use the phrase "a leading platoon"?

You would use "a leading platoon" when specifically discussing military tactics, historical battles, or scenarios where a platoon's position at the front is significant. It helps to clarify roles and responsibilities within the unit.