at the head

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the head" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a position at the front or top of something, often in a figurative sense, such as leadership or priority. Example: "She was placed at the head of the committee due to her extensive experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granddaddy sat at the head.

The New York Times

Newsworthy Results at the HEAD Meeting?

Harvard University

No one sat at the head.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It landed at the head of Hoolahan.

The Guardian - Sport

We sat at the head table.

The New York Times - Magazine

Subsequently, traveling acoustic waves are imposed at the head end.

Combustion and Flame

Why do they all end up at the head?

Stanford University

Fergason was at the head of the field.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It blocked the sky at the head of the valley.

Yale University

He took a seat at the head table.

Columbia University

Biden took his seat at the head of the table.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For spatial descriptions, use "at the head" to precisely locate something at the beginning or top of a physical space or list.

Common error

Avoid using "at the head" in contexts where a more specific term is appropriate. For instance, instead of "at the head of the company" consider "CEO of the company" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the head" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating location, direction, or position. Ludwig AI provides examples where it denotes physical placement, leadership roles, or the start of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the head" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a leading position, physical location, or point of origin. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, ranging from formal news reports to informal conversations. It's important to use it precisely, ensuring the context makes clear what's being led or where something is located. While alternatives like "in charge" or "at the forefront" exist, "at the head" provides a versatile and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the lead

Indicates being in a position of leadership or being ahead of others.

at the forefront

Emphasizes being in a leading or prominent position, especially in an activity or movement.

in charge

Highlights the responsibility and authority associated with leading a group or task.

at the helm

Suggests being in control or steering something, like a ship or organization.

at the top

Indicates reaching the highest rank or position in a hierarchy.

leading the way

Focuses on guiding or directing others through example or innovation.

in the vanguard

Implies being at the forefront of a movement or development, often with a connotation of innovation.

in the driver's seat

Similar to "at the helm", but more informal, suggesting control and direction.

in the front rank

Highlights being among the leaders or those most actively involved.

spearheading

Suggests taking a leading role in initiating or driving a project or initiative.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the head" to describe a position of leadership, as in "She was /s/appointed+chairwoman target="_blank" rel="nofollow">appointed chairwoman and sat at the head of the meeting". It can also describe a physical location, such as "The statue stood at the head of the garden".

What's a good alternative to saying "at the head"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in charge", "leading the way", or "at the forefront" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "at the head" literally versus figuratively?

Use "at the head" literally when describing a physical location, such as "at the head of the table". Use it figuratively when referring to a position of leadership or prominence, such as "at the head of the organization".

Is "at the head" more formal or informal?

"At the head" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context and surrounding language will influence the overall tone.