dash ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe moving quickly or energetically forward, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "With determination in her eyes, she decided to dash ahead, leaving her doubts behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Dogs bred to run and pull dash ahead, and rigs rocket down the track.

The New York Times - Travel

If Mr Bush hopes a permanent majority is within his grasp, he may well dash ahead with an ambitious agenda.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

INSIDE TRACK: The also-ran dashes ahead of the pack.

The New York Times

The third of them ended with Piqué dashing ahead of Pepe to head in the opener.

The Guardian - Sport

As the family ran, Bilal broke away from his mother, dashing ahead until he was stopped by a bullet that caught him in the neck.

The New York Times

"There's a lot of adrenaline," said Mike Holzberg, a retiree from Scottsdale who dashed ahead of the bulls along with college students, stockbrokers, teachers and the unemployed.

The New York Times

When Mr. Flanagan smacked his ball to the side, Mr. Boone dashed ahead and pretended he was trying to catch a baseball.

The New York Times

Suddenly, like a colt that has broken free of its reins, the boy bolted off, dashing ahead then turning and running back.

The New Yorker

During recent protests, reporters have been attacked and locked up by security forces in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen and beyond.Al Jazeera, the Qatar-based satellite news channel, has dashed ahead of newspapers in covering the unrest.

The Economist

Then again, having crisscrossed the rugged paths since she was in pigtails, Miriam dashed ahead of us like a mountain goat, completely unwinded, while we panted, grabbing at branches for balance and crouching as we ducked under rocky overhangs.

The New York Times - Travel

Police, in riot gear, stepped forward, shoulder to shoulder, chanting, "MOVE MOVE MOVE!," and the kids played at revolution, chanting back, "HANDS UP! DON'T SHOOT!" and "FUCK TRUMP!" and "FUCK THE SYSTEM!" and "FUCK THE POLICE!," occasionally dashing ahead of the advancing line to gain a few minutes to call home on their cells to reassure their worried parents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash ahead" to describe situations where speed and initiative are key to surpassing competitors or achieving a goal quickly. It effectively conveys a sense of urgency and proactive advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "dash ahead" in formal business or academic writing where a more sophisticated or nuanced term like "advance rapidly" or "accelerate progress" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash ahead" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb 'dash' with the adverb 'ahead'. It modifies another verb, typically implying quick or energetic movement forward. Ludwig shows examples where it describes physical movement and strategic advancement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash ahead" is a phrasal verb that effectively communicates rapid and proactive movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, suggesting it is suitable for neutral and informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal settings. Consider alternatives like "rush forward" or "forge ahead" to maintain appropriate formality. The phrase's primary function is to describe quick progress, whether literal or strategic, adding a sense of urgency and initiative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rush forward

Emphasizes speed and eagerness in moving forward, with a slightly less planned or directed connotation than "dash ahead".

sprint ahead

Highlights the burst of speed at the start of a race or endeavor, similar to "dash ahead" but with a greater focus on initial acceleration.

forge ahead

Implies determined progress despite obstacles, adding a layer of resilience not explicitly present in "dash ahead".

push forward

Suggests effort and force in advancing, which may be less about speed and more about overcoming resistance, contrasting with the agility implied by "dash ahead".

press on

Conveys a sense of continuing despite difficulties, focusing on perseverance rather than the quick movement suggested by "dash ahead".

shoot forward

Indicates a sudden and forceful movement, comparable to "dash ahead" but potentially more impulsive or less controlled.

bolt forward

Emphasizes a quick, sudden start, similar to how an animal might move, which is a more visceral image than "dash ahead".

race forward

Implies a competitive environment, focusing on outstripping others, a nuance not necessarily present in "dash ahead".

move swiftly

Focuses on the speed of the movement rather than the impetus or ambition associated with "dash ahead".

make strides

Highlights progress and advancement, often in a metaphorical sense, differing from the literal movement suggested by "dash ahead".

FAQs

How can I use "dash ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "dash ahead" to describe someone quickly moving forward, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The company decided to "dash ahead" with the new product launch despite the risks".

What does "dash ahead" mean?

"Dash ahead" means to move or progress rapidly, often with a sense of excitement or urgency. It can apply to physical movement or to progress in a project or plan.

What are some alternatives to "dash ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "rush forward", "sprint ahead", or "forge ahead" depending on the context.

Is "dash ahead" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dash ahead" is generally more suited for informal or journalistic writing. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "advance rapidly" or "accelerate progress".