at the spearhead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the spearhead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being at the forefront or leading position of a movement, initiative, or project. Example: "The organization is at the spearhead of the environmental movement, advocating for sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In some ways, they are now at the spearhead of a challenge confronting Christian minorities across the region amid the tumult of the Arab Spring.

The New York Times

The 50s and early 60s were the most industrious years for Zagato; labour was relatively cheap and Italian design was at the spearhead of automotive creativity.

The Guardian - Sport

Walcott is said to be determined to prove himself at the spearhead of Arsenal's attack, with Wenger having often deployed the England international as an impact player from the flanks.

Independent

She is at the spearhead of a campaign to place an initiative before Florida voters next year that would give consumers the freedom to choose to buy their solar energy from smaller private companies and bypass the mega-bucks utilities.

The Guardian

Working under Val Gielgud, Donald McWhinnie and John Morris, she was at the spearhead of a risky enterprise to introduce the postwar British public to avant-garde 20th-century drama.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"With him at the spearhead of the [Ipswich] attack we've got to watch out," said Cardiff captain Hudson.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Fifty years ago, ethologist Nicolaas Tinbergen provided biology with a framework of the aims and methods of ethology, which, at that time, was the spearhead of contemporary research of behaviour.

BMC Psychiatry

Upon marrying his American wife, Sara, Warner moved to the United States in 1988 and has since also worked at the San Diego Museum of Art and Yale Center for British Art, spearheading major exhibitions at the National Gallery of Art in Washington and the National Gallery in London.

Los Angeles Times

The next day, over the spearheads at Yartsevo-Bely, Wilcke shot down an Polikarpov I-180 fighter.

Wikipedia

Giant yellow beach balls in the crowd during The Sounds of Sunshine being performed by a Michael Franti & The Spearheads at a concert last year.

Huffington Post

At the induction ceremony the spearheading partners of the GPEI were honored with a plaque detailing their ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the spearhead" to convey a sense of leadership and being at the forefront of an initiative or movement. It suggests a proactive and influential role.

Common error

Avoid using "at the spearhead" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "leading" or "at the front" for everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the spearhead" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically describes the position of something or someone as being in the forefront or leading position of a particular activity, movement, or organization. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the spearhead" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a leading or prominent position in an endeavor, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct, it conveys leadership and influence. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives include "at the forefront" or "leading the charge". Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the forefront

Replaces "spearhead" with a more general term for being in a leading position.

leading the charge

Uses a more active and dynamic metaphor to describe leading an effort.

in the vanguard

Emphasizes being ahead of others, pioneering a movement or idea.

at the cutting edge

Focuses on innovation and being at the most advanced stage of development.

in the lead

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is in first place or taking initiative.

at the helm

Implies control and direction, like steering a ship.

at the vanguard

A synonym for "in the vanguard" but maintaining a more formal tone.

taking the initiative

Focuses on actively starting or progressing an activity or project.

driving force

Highlights the energy and power behind an action or movement, rather than the position.

pioneering

Emphasizes the innovative and groundbreaking nature of the work being done.

FAQs

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

Use "at the spearhead" to describe something or someone that is leading an initiative or movement. For example, "The company is "at the spearhead" of innovation in the industry".

What are some alternatives to "at the spearhead"?

Alternatives include "at the forefront", "leading the charge", or "in the vanguard". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"At the spearhead" is the correct and more commonly used prepositional phrase. "In the spearhead" is not a standard expression.

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

Being "at the spearhead" means you are in the leading position, actively driving forward and influencing the direction of a particular effort, movement, or initiative.