at the front

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the front" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical location at the beginning or most visible part of something. Example sentence: I took a seat at the front of the auditorium to ensure that I had a clear view of the stage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll start at the front.

Independent

"I was at the front.

The New Yorker

"They're at the front line.

The New Yorker

They begin at the front door.

The New York Times

As for troops at the front?

The New York Times

First, I looked at the front.

The New Yorker

Teddie survived his time at the front.

Independent

They miss us at the front.

The New York Times

He was at the front.

The Guardian - Music

I've got sunk costs at the front.

Yale University

MacArthur's removal was received at the front.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the front" to clearly indicate a position that is either physically forward or symbolically leading. For example, "Sit at the front of the classroom for better focus."

Common error

Avoid using "in front" interchangeably with "at the front" when specifying position within a defined space or group. "At the front" implies a specific location, while "in front" simply means ahead of something else. For example, it's better to say "at the front of the line" rather than "in front of the line".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the front" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. Ludwig shows its use to indicate a physical location or a position of leadership. It specifies where something or someone is situated in relation to a particular space or group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the front" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to denote a specific location or a leading position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, ensure you're using it to accurately specify location rather than merely indicating something is ahead. While alternatives like "in the forefront" exist, they often carry different connotations related to leadership or prominence. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in front

A more succinct version, omitting "at the".

in the forefront

Emphasizes being in a leading or prominent position.

in the vanguard

Suggests being at the cutting edge or leading a movement.

at the head

Implies being in charge or leading a group.

at the helm

Specifically refers to being in control or leadership.

in the lead

Highlights being ahead of others in a competition or race.

at the cutting edge

Indicates being at the forefront of innovation or technology.

in the leading position

Emphasizes the act of guiding and directing.

at the top

Implies reaching the highest rank or position.

in the front rank

Suggests being among the leaders, particularly in a military context.

FAQs

How can I use "at the front" in a sentence?

You can use "at the front" to indicate a leading position or a location at the beginning of something. For example, "The general was "at the front" of the troops" or "The best seats are "at the front" of the theater".

What are some alternatives to "at the front"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in the lead", "in the forefront", or "at the head" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in front" instead of "at the front"?

While "in front" and "at the front" can sometimes be used interchangeably, ""at the front"" is more precise when referring to a specific location within a defined area or group.

When should I use "at the front" versus "in the forefront"?

"At the front" generally refers to a physical location, while "in the forefront" is often used to describe a leading or prominent position in a more abstract sense, such as "in the forefront of innovation".