definitive lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and authoritative direction or guidance in a particular context, such as in business or research. Example: "The report provided a definitive lead on the best practices for improving team productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By then, though, Madrid had clinched a definitive lead: two goals in three minutes, tie over.

The Guardian - Sport

With just 10 laps left, Vettel finally passed Webber and took a definitive lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Instagram, the photo-sharing app that has taken a definitive lead on iOS, said it has surpassed 27 million registered users today at the SXSW Interactive conference in Austin, Texas.

TechCrunch

ICAO's May meetings are a ripe opportunity for it to gain ground and stake out a definitive lead over IMO: and like most races this is one where you don't want to be the last to cross the finish line.

Huffington Post

Despite the Genesis's head start, much larger library of games, and lower price point, the Genesis only represented an estimated 60% of the American 16-bit console market in June 1992, and neither console could maintain a definitive lead for several years.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Officials stressed, however, that no assumptions were being made or definitive leads revealed.

The Guardian

Soft tissue reconstruction and subsequent definitive fixation led to union of all fractures with good function.

Acta Orthopaedica

This lack of definitive answers leads to a wide variation in the specifics of managing patients with SAH.

Critical Care

Inferred switching between carnivore definitive hosts led Hoberg [ 1] to conclude that ecological shifts have been greatly responsible for the patterns of radiation in Taenia.

BMC Genomics

After the finding by VA Laryngeal Cancer Study Group [ 4] that induction chemotherapy followed by definitive radiotherapy leads to a larynx preservation rate of 68%, this method has been considered as an organ preservation treatment for laryngeal carcinoma [ 5- 8].

BMC Cancer

NHT before definitive radiotherapy can lead, on average, to a 25 30% reduction in prostate size (Zelefsky et al, 1994; Henderson et al, 2003).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive lead" to indicate a clear and substantial advantage that is likely to determine the outcome of a competition, negotiation, or process.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive lead" when the advantage is only temporary or easily reversible. The phrase implies a strong degree of certainty and permanence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive lead" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb, such as "take" or "establish". Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitive lead" is a noun phrase used to describe a clear and substantial advantage. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and suggests it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is relatively rare, with only 5 examples provided, it conveys a strong sense of certainty and permanence in the advantage being described. Alternative phrases like "clear advantage" or "decisive advantage" may be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear advantage

Focuses on the unambiguous nature of the lead.

firm advantage

Focuses on the solid and well-established nature of the advantage.

decisive advantage

Highlights the conclusive nature of the advantage.

commanding lead

Indicates a lead that exerts strong control.

secure advantage

Highlights the stability and reliability of the lead.

unassailable advantage

Emphasizes an advantage that cannot be challenged or overcome.

unchallenged lead

Highlights the absence of any competition or threat to the lead.

categorical advantage

Emphasizes a clear and distinct superiority.

insurmountable lead

Suggests a lead that is impossible to overcome.

solid head start

Focuses on having an initial advantage that is significant.

FAQs

How to use "definitive lead" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive lead" to describe a situation where someone or something has a clear and substantial advantage. For example: "After the second quarter, the team established a "definitive lead"."

What can I say instead of "definitive lead"?

Alternatives include "clear advantage", "decisive advantage", or "unassailable advantage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also: "clear advantage", "decisive advantage", "unassailable advantage".

What is the difference between "definitive lead" and "slight lead"?

"Definitive lead" implies a substantial and likely irreversible advantage, whereas "slight lead" indicates a narrow and potentially unstable advantage.

Is it appropriate to use "definitive lead" in formal writing?

Yes, "definitive lead" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, sports, and academic contexts where clear advantages are being discussed. Ensure proper context and use synonyms if necessary.