be in the vanguard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be in the vanguard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is at the forefront of a movement, trend, or innovation. Example: "The company aims to be in the vanguard of sustainable technology, leading the way for others in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We'd be in the vanguard.

The New Yorker

Farming, for instance, is supposed to be in the vanguard.

The Economist

But expect these schools to be in the vanguard.

The Economist

Supporters of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform law of 2002 should be in the vanguard for disclosure.

The New York Times

For we cannot be in the vanguard of what has long been happening.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, to be in the vanguard of technological development, countries need access to rare metals.

The Guardian - Tech

I want UK businesses to be in the vanguard of that move.

The Guardian

Len may be in the vanguard, but much of the population is close behind.

The Guardian - Opinion

The FA, however, is keen to be in the vanguard of testing the technology.

The Guardian - Sport

And she does seem to be in the vanguard of something.

The Guardian - Books

Schools and FE colleges could be in the vanguard of this push.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be in the vanguard" when you want to emphasize that a person, group, or idea is at the forefront of progress or innovation. It conveys a sense of being a leader or pioneer in a particular field or movement.

Common error

While "be in the vanguard" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "leading the way" or "at the front" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be in the vanguard" is to act as a predicate, indicating that a subject occupies a leading or pioneering position. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, where the phrase describes entities at the forefront of various endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be in the vanguard" is a powerful way to communicate that someone or something is at the forefront of innovation and progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, business, and academic contexts. While versatile, its slightly formal tone makes it best suited for professional or neutral settings. When seeking alternatives, consider phrases like ""lead the way"" or ""be at the forefront"" for similar meanings. Remember, using "be in the vanguard" effectively means positioning your subject as a leader, setting the pace for others to follow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be at the forefront

This phrase is highly similar, emphasizing a leading position but less aggressive than 'vanguard'.

be in the forefront

Similar to "be at the forefront", this implies being prominently visible in a leading position.

take the lead

Suggests assuming a position of control or guidance.

lead the way

This alternative suggests guiding others, similar to being in the vanguard, but with an emphasis on showing the path.

be a pioneer

Highlights innovation and being among the first to do something.

spearhead

This verb implies initiating and driving a movement or project.

be a forerunner

Suggests preceding others, often implying a prediction of future trends.

be ahead of the curve

Indicates being more advanced or progressive than others.

champion

This verb denotes supporting or defending a cause, often leading its promotion.

be a trendsetter

Focuses on influencing fashion or popular culture.

FAQs

How can I use "be in the vanguard" in a sentence?

You can use "be in the vanguard" to describe someone or something that is leading an important change or development. For example, "The company aims to "be in the vanguard" of sustainable technology."

What is a similar expression to "be in the vanguard"?

Similar expressions include "lead the way", "be at the forefront", or "spearhead". These all convey the idea of being a leader or innovator.

Is "be in the vanguard" formal or informal?

"Be in the vanguard" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. While it can be used in various contexts, it's most appropriate for professional, academic, or news-related discussions. In more informal settings, you might prefer simpler alternatives.

What does it mean to "be in the vanguard"?

To "be in the vanguard" means to be in the leading position of a movement, trend, or field. It implies being innovative, forward-thinking, and setting the pace for others to follow.