early lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "early lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, competitions, or any situation where someone or something gains an advantage at the beginning. Example: "The team took an early lead in the match, scoring two goals within the first ten minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

takes an early lead.

The New Yorker

Get the early lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Roberts got off to an early lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Italy roared into an early lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Scotland have the early lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Wild takes an early lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Bodemeister early lead, Trinniberg second, then Daddy Long Legs.

The New York Times

Can François Hollande maintain his early lead?

The Guardian

Gonzalez took an early lead last night.

The New York Times - Sports

The Lions jumped to the early lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Mets starters rarely have an early lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone or something has a small, perhaps temporary, advantage, using "early lead" is effective. However, consider whether the advantage is truly significant or just a minor head start.

Common error

Don't assume an "early lead" guarantees ultimate success. It's just an initial advantage and doesn't negate the need for continued effort and strategy. An early lead can evaporate quickly if not protected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "early lead" functions primarily as a noun phrase that often acts as the object of a verb. It describes the state of having an initial advantage in a competition, race, or market, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sports

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "early lead" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an initial advantage, as supported by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news and sports contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While having an "early lead" can be advantageous, it is crucial to remember that it doesn't guarantee ultimate success. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is usable in written English. Consider related phrases like "initial advantage" or "head start" for variety, but ensure the context aligns with the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early advantage

A more generic substitute, highlighting the advantage obtained early on.

initial advantage

Focuses on the advantage gained at the beginning, without necessarily implying a competition.

head start

Emphasizes the starting point advantage more than the ongoing aspect of leading.

grabbing an early lead

Implies a quick and decisive move to take the lead.

jumped out to an early advantage

Describes the action of quickly gaining an initial advantage.

gained an early advantage

Focuses on the act of gaining the lead rather than the state of having it.

establishing an early advantage

Focuses on creating a stable advantage from the beginning.

forging ahead early

Highlights the proactive effort to move forward at the beginning.

gaining ground quickly

Highlights the rapid progress made early on, implying a lead.

taking the initiative

Emphasizes being the first to act, leading to an early advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "early lead" in a sentence?

You can use "early lead" to describe a situation where someone or something has an initial advantage, such as "The team took an early lead in the game" or "The company established an early lead in the market".

What are some alternatives to "early lead"?

Alternatives include "initial advantage", "head start", or "early advantage" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always beneficial to have an "early lead"?

While an "early lead" can be advantageous, it doesn't guarantee success. The advantage must be maintained and built upon to ensure a positive outcome.

What's the difference between "early lead" and "dominant lead"?

"Early lead" refers to the initial advantage, while "dominant lead" implies a significant and possibly insurmountable advantage. An "early lead" might not be dominant, but a dominant lead is certainly a large advantage.