act as a forerunner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a forerunner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that serves as a precursor or an indicator of what is to come. Example: "The new technology acts as a forerunner to the advancements we expect in the next decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some Roman Catholics fear that unless divisions over issues including homosexuality can be healed, they will act as a forerunner to a similar battle in Rome.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This article proposes that OL acts as a forerunner of a firm's ability to adapt to evolving market conditions (strategic flexibility), and that OL and flexibility simultaneously foster the implementation of differentiation and cost-leadership strategies.

Journal of Business Research

Since the French Revolution to modern-day China, the private sector acted as a forerunner, facilitating democratization and socio-political advancement.

Huffington Post

Gighit.com originally launched in 2005, acting as a forerunner to successful sites like iLike and Last FM.

TechCrunch

Clarke, whose grounding in science allowed his fiction to act as the forerunner to real inventions, predicted as early as 1945 that satellites would one day broadcast TV images around the world.

Independent

He is sometimes cited as a forerunner of the renowned philosopher Benedict de Spinoza.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The footage underlines Joplin's status as a forerunner in a male-dominated rock climate.

The Guardian - Music

Art critics and historians regard him as a forerunner of the American modern art movement.

The New York Times

By the mid-20th century, he had become recognized as a forerunner of modern architecture.

Britannica

The Revolution is often seen as a forerunner to civil rights for Jewish and black people.

Independent

He is also regarded by Christians as a forerunner of Christian theology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a forerunner", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is preceding or anticipating. Be specific about the connection between the forerunner and its subsequent development.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "acts as a forerunner", it directly and solely causes the subsequent event. A forerunner can influence, but other factors are often involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a forerunner" functions as a verb phrase that describes the role or function of something in relation to a future event or development. It indicates that the subject is predictive or preparatory, serving as an early indication of something to come, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "act as a forerunner" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that precedes and indicates a future event or development. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define what the subject is a forerunner to, and avoid implying a direct causal relationship. Alternatives such as "serve as a precursor" or "pave the way for" can offer slightly different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Serve as a precursor

Focuses on the aspect of something coming before in time or sequence, acting as a sign of what's to follow.

Pave the way for

Emphasizes the action of preparing or making something easier for others.

Be a harbinger of

Highlights the role of foretelling or signaling a future event.

Set the stage for

Suggests creating the conditions or environment for something to happen.

Anticipate

Focuses on predicting or expecting something in advance.

Foreshadow

Implies giving a hint or indication of something to come, often in literature or art.

Prefigure

Suggests an earlier occurrence or representation that anticipates a later one.

Precede

Simply means to come before in time, order, or rank.

Lead the way

Indicates guiding or directing others by going first.

Act as a prototype

Implies serving as an initial model or example for future development.

FAQs

What does "act as a forerunner" mean?

To "act as a forerunner" means to serve as a precursor, an early indicator, or a sign of something that will happen or be developed in the future. It implies a predictive or preparatory role.

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

You can use "act as a forerunner" to describe anything that precedes and indicates something else. For example, "This pilot project "acts as a forerunner" to a larger, nationwide implementation".

What are some alternatives to "act as a forerunner"?

Alternatives to "act as a forerunner" include "serve as a precursor", "pave the way for", or "be a harbinger of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "acts as the forerunner"?

While grammatically acceptable, it's more common to say something "acts as a forerunner". Using "the" implies a singular, definitive forerunner, which may not always be accurate or appropriate. Using "a" is generally more flexible and accurate.