at the lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone or something that is in a position of leadership or at the forefront of a particular situation or activity. Example: "The project was successful because we had a strong team at the lead, guiding us through every challenge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lobello aimed at the lead car and squeezed the trigger.

The New Yorker

Rye Barcott (left) at the lead of the 10-year anniversary celebration parade in Kibera.

Harvard University

In doing so, you looked at the lead story (front page, top right-hand corner).

The New Yorker

Things changed when Houston kept missing and New Jersey whittled away at the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

And we had no desire to join a herd and spend our days looking at the lead horse's tail.

The New York Times - Travel

But after everyone who made a run at the lead faltered, he emerged on top with his late flurry.

The New York Times - Sports

Screen passes and Brown's dominant rushing continued to torment the Jets as Miami made its run at the lead.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was found that there was an increase in the lead tip temperature as well as oedema at the lead-tissue interface.

Insights into Imaging

Heating may also cause direct tissue damage such as oedema and formation of scar tissue at the lead-tissue interface [1, 11].

Insights into Imaging

It is therefore appropriate that Larry Pratt, the Executive Director of Gun Owners of America, has been selected at the lead-off speaker at the Second Amendment March.

Huffington Post

When problems occur, they can be very hard to detect due to erratic release of lead scale at the [lead copper] joint.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the lead", ensure it clearly indicates a position of leadership or being at the forefront of something. For instance, "Our company is "at the lead" in developing sustainable technologies."

Common error

Avoid using "at the lead" when simply meaning 'near the front' physically. Instead, reserve it for situations where there is an element of guidance, direction, or influence involved. For example, instead of saying 'He was "at the lead" of the line', say 'He was at the front of the line'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the lead" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a position of leadership or preeminence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. The phrase indicates where something or someone is positioned relative to others in terms of authority, progress or innovation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the lead" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies a position of leadership or being at the forefront. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various sources, especially news, science, and academia, underscore its relevance. While alternatives like "in the forefront" or "in charge" exist, "at the lead" offers a nuanced way to highlight guidance, direction, or influence. Remember to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations where the element of leadership is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the forefront

Focuses on being visibly at the front, often implying innovation or progress.

in a leading position

Emphasizes the hierarchical aspect of being ahead or in charge.

at the helm

Implies control and guidance, similar to steering a ship.

in the vanguard

Suggests being at the very front of a movement or trend, often with a sense of innovation.

at the cutting edge

Highlights being on the most advanced or innovative point.

in the driver's seat

Emphasizes control and decision-making authority.

in charge

A more direct and general way of indicating responsibility and authority.

in command

Suggests a formal authority, often within a hierarchical structure.

in control

Highlights the act of managing and directing.

taking the initiative

Focuses on the act of being the first to take action.

FAQs

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

Use "at the lead" to indicate a position of leadership or being at the forefront of a particular activity. For example, "The United States is "at the lead" in technological innovation."

What are some alternatives to "at the lead"?

Alternatives include "in the forefront", "in a leading position", or "in charge", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at the lead" or "in the lead"?

"At the lead" emphasizes being in a guiding or pioneering role. "In the lead" more directly indicates being ahead, especially in a competition. Both are valid, but their usage varies depending on the intended meaning.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "at the lead"?

It's less suitable when simply describing physical positioning without any implication of influence or direction. For example, it would be more accurate to say someone is "at the front" of a line rather than "at the lead" if they are merely first in line.