avant-garde

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avant-garde" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe innovative or experimental ideas, especially in art, culture, or fashion. An example: "The artist's avant-garde approach challenged traditional norms." Alternative expressions include "cutting-edge" and "innovative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

(Now, that's avant-garde).

The New York Times - Food

Avant-garde things.

The New York Times - Arts

That's not avant-garde.

The New York Times

His sincerity is avant-garde.

The New Yorker

Or avant-garde.

The New York Times - Arts

Avant-garde swan dresses.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Everyone thought, "Oooh, avant garde".

The Guardian - Film

Pasolini and the neo-avant-garde.

Yale University

Avant garde?

BBC

Really, really, avant garde-level weird.

TechCrunch

Avant garde architecture in Norway?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avant-garde" when describing something that is radically new, experimental, or unconventional, especially in the arts, culture, or fashion.

Common error

Avoid using "avant-garde" simply to mean "modern" or "contemporary". "Avant-garde" specifically refers to works that challenge established norms and push boundaries, not just anything that is current.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "avant-garde" is typically as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes something as being innovative, experimental, or unconventional, pushing the boundaries of what is accepted. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "avant-garde" is a versatile phrase used primarily as an adjective to describe something radically innovative or experimental. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While synonyms like "cutting-edge" or "innovative" exist, "avant-garde" carries a distinct connotation of challenging established norms. Remember to use it precisely to denote groundbreaking work, not just general modernity. By considering these insights, you can confidently and effectively use "avant-garde" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cutting-edge

Focuses on the newest and most advanced aspects.

innovative

Highlights the introduction of new ideas or methods.

experimental

Emphasizes a trial-and-error approach, often in arts or sciences.

groundbreaking

Suggests a significant departure from established norms.

pioneering

Implies being among the first to explore or develop something.

trailblazing

Similar to pioneering, but with a stronger emphasis on paving the way for others.

radical

Indicates a departure from tradition to an extreme degree.

visionary

Implies having a clear and forward-thinking idea of the future.

state-of-the-art

Focuses on the highest level of development at a particular time.

ultra-modern

Highlights a style or approach that is extremely current and futuristic.

FAQs

How to use "avant-garde" in a sentence?

You can use "avant-garde" to describe art, fashion, or ideas that are innovative and experimental. For example, "The artist's work is known for its avant-garde style" or "The designer presented an avant-garde collection at the fashion show".

What is the difference between "avant-garde" and "modern"?

"Avant-garde" refers to art or ideas that are radically new, experimental, or unconventional. "Modern" simply means relating to the present or recent times. While avant-garde works can be modern, not all modern works are avant-garde.

What are some synonyms for "avant-garde"?

Synonyms for "avant-garde" include "cutting-edge", "innovative", "experimental", and "groundbreaking". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "avant-garde" only used in the context of art?

No, while "avant-garde" is frequently used in the context of art, it can also apply to other areas like fashion, music, literature, and even technology, to describe anything that is radically new and challenges established norms.