are at the forefront

USAGE SUMMARY

'are at the forefront' is correct and usable in written English and it can be used to express the idea that something is the most important, prominent, or cutting-edge aspect of a given topic.
For example, "Innovations in sustainability are at the forefront of modern environmentalism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The Liberal Democrats are at the forefront of that.

Independent

Smartphones are at the forefront of this change.

The Economist

"The women are at the forefront," he said.

The New York Times

Buyout firms are at the forefront of Capitol Hill.

The New York Times

The churches are at the forefront of this trend.

The New York Times

Google and Facebook are at the forefront of AI.

The Guardian - Tech

Curry and Green are at the forefront of this.

The Guardian - Sport

Teachers like myself are at the forefront of reform, and we are critical to its success.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both companies are at the forefront of the industry's push into the technology.

The New York Times

And once again celebrities are at the forefront, introducing shorts into new situations.

The New York Times

The Nets and the Knicks are at the forefront of teams looking to acquire him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are at the forefront" to highlight not just current leadership, but also the potential for future impact and influence within a field. This adds a forward-looking dimension to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are at the forefront" as a general statement without providing specific details about the area of leadership or innovation. This can weaken the phrase's impact and make your writing less informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are at the forefront" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject as being in a leading or pioneering position. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts to emphasize leadership and innovation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science & Research

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are at the forefront" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a leading or pioneering position. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and widespread usage across various domains. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, it effectively highlights innovation and leadership. While generally neutral to professional in tone, it's crucial to provide specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "are leading the way" and "are at the cutting edge", offering nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are at the cutting edge

This alternative highlights the advanced and innovative nature of their position.

are in the vanguard

This implies being in the foremost rank or division, leading an advance.

are spearheading

Emphasizes actively leading and driving forward an initiative or movement.

lead the way

This alternative emphasizes the act of pioneering and guiding others.

are taking the lead

Suggests initiating action and assuming a leadership role.

are pioneering

Focuses on the innovative and ground-breaking aspect of being at the forefront.

are in the lead

This suggests being in a leading position, particularly in a competitive context.

are blazing the trail

This emphasizes creating new paths and setting examples for others to follow.

are driving innovation

Highlights the role in pushing the boundaries of new ideas and technologies.

are setting the standard

Focuses on establishing benchmarks for quality and performance.

FAQs

How can I use "are at the forefront" in a sentence?

Use "are at the forefront" to highlight a leading position in a specific field or activity. For example, "They are at the forefront of cancer research" indicates they are leaders in that area.

What's a good alternative to "are at the forefront"?

Alternatives include "are leading the way", "are at the cutting edge", or "are in the vanguard". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are at the forefront" or "are in the forefront"?

"Are at the forefront" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Are in the forefront" is less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward.

What does it mean to be "at the forefront" of something?

To be "at the forefront" means to be in a leading or pioneering position, actively involved in the most advanced or important developments in a particular field or activity.