be at the forefront

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at the forefront" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to be in a leading or prominent position, especially in terms of new ideas or trends. Example: The company's CEO is determined to be at the forefront of innovation and is constantly seeking new ways to improve their products. Another example: This new technology is at the forefront of the industry, setting the standard for future developments.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We like to be at the forefront".

The New York Times

Be at the forefront of medicine.

Cornell University

This time, human rights must be at the forefront.

The New York Times

Government has to be at the forefront of those changes.

The New York Times

The Loney could be at the forefront of that".

Independent

We should expect to be at the forefront.

The Guardian

"This must be at the forefront of the conservation agenda".

The Guardian

Witness needs to be at the forefront of this transition.

The New York Times

"It's time for accountability to be at the forefront.

The New York Times

"Miami-Dade must be at the forefront," said Cohen.

The Guardian

They will be at the forefront of this new revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be at the forefront", ensure that the context clearly defines the area or field in which the subject is leading. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be at the forefront" without specifying the domain or area of influence. Vague statements can weaken the impact and credibility of your claim. For example, instead of saying "The company wants to be at the forefront", specify "The company wants to be at the forefront of sustainable technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at the forefront" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or adjective complement. It indicates a state of leading or pioneering in a particular field. As Ludwig AI states, it means to be in a leading position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be at the forefront" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies leadership and innovation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and clear meaning. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts, this phrase effectively communicates a position of prominence and pioneering spirit. To maximize its impact, ensure that you clearly specify the area in which the subject is leading. Alternatives like "lead the way" or ""be at the cutting edge"" offer similar connotations, while "be in the vanguard" emphasizes being at the front of a movement. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently and effectively use "be at the forefront" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in the forefront

A slight variation in wording with nearly identical meaning.

be at the cutting edge

Implies being involved with the newest and most advanced developments.

be at the leading edge

Similar to "be at the cutting edge", indicating advanced development and innovation.

be in the vanguard

Emphasizes being at the front of a movement or development.

lead the way

Focuses more on the action of leading, implying guidance and direction.

take the lead

Focuses on assuming a leadership position.

be a pioneer

Highlights the innovative aspect of being first in a particular area.

spearhead the effort

Emphasizes initiating and leading a particular effort or project.

be a leading figure

Focuses on the role of individuals as leaders.

be a trendsetter

Highlights the ability to create and influence new trends.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "be at the forefront" in a sentence?

Use "be at the forefront" to highlight leadership or pioneering status in a specific field or activity. For instance, "Our research aims to "be at the cutting edge" of medical innovation" demonstrates a clear area of leadership.

What are some alternatives to using "be at the forefront"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "lead the way", "be a pioneer", or "be in the vanguard" to convey a similar meaning of leadership and innovation.

Is it redundant to say "be at the forefront of innovation"?

While not strictly redundant, it can be more concise to simply say ""be at the cutting edge"" or "lead innovation". The phrase "be at the forefront" already implies a leading position, which often involves innovation.

Which is more appropriate: "be at the forefront" or "be in the forefront"?

Both "be at the forefront" and "be in the forefront" are acceptable, but "be at the forefront" is more commonly used. They both convey the same meaning of being in a leading position.