far ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"far ahead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "John was far ahead of the other runners in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Far ahead.

The Guardian - Tech

Campriani was far ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

He sees far ahead".

The New York Times - Health

Don't look too far ahead.

The New York Times

It's so far ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Bush is still far ahead.

The Economist

Others were far ahead of me.

The New York Times

He doesn't look too far ahead.

Independent

The duo is not far ahead.

The New York Times

They quickly moved far ahead of us.

The New Yorker

Flights are fully booked far ahead.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far ahead" to emphasize a significant lead or advantage, whether in time, progress, or position. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "far ahead" when a simple "ahead" suffices. Overusing the intensifier can weaken the impact of your writing. Instead of saying "He is far ahead in his studies compared to his classmates", say "He is ahead in his studies compared to his classmates" or "He is remarkably ahead in his studies compared to his classmates".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far ahead" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, emphasizing the degree to which something or someone is in a leading position or state. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, showcasing its role in highlighting significant advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "far ahead" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adverbial phrase that signifies a significant lead or advancement. According to Ludwig, it's effective across various registers, with particular prevalence in news, sports, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the advantage you intend to convey. While versatile, avoid overuse in simple comparisons where "ahead" suffices. Consider alternatives like ""well in advance"" or "leaps and bounds ahead" to add nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability, making it a reliable choice for expressing substantial progress or leadership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaps and bounds ahead

Highlights a very fast and evident progress.

well in advance

Focuses on the temporal aspect of being ahead, indicating something done or planned early.

considerably advanced

Emphasizes the significant degree of progress or development achieved.

ahead of the curve

Suggests being innovative or progressive compared to others.

significantly in front

Highlights a notable lead or advantage in a competitive context.

in the lead

Refers to holding a position of dominance or advantage.

streets ahead

An informal expression denoting a substantial lead or superiority.

leading the pack

Implies being the foremost entity among a group.

preeminent

Indicates outstanding superiority or distinction.

in the vanguard

Implies being at the forefront of progress or innovation.

FAQs

What does "far ahead" mean?

The phrase "far ahead" indicates a significant lead, advancement, or progress compared to others, whether in time, distance, or achievement.

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

You can use "far ahead" to describe someone leading in a race, a company's progress, or planning for the future. For instance, "The leading runner was "well ahead" of the pack", "Our sales figures are "way ahead" of last year's", or "She likes to plan "well in advance"".

What are some alternatives to "far ahead"?

Some alternatives include ""well in advance"", "considerably advanced", "significantly in front", or "leaps and bounds ahead" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "far ahead" or simply "ahead"?

The choice depends on the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey. "Ahead" is suitable for general cases, while "far ahead" emphasizes a significant lead or advancement. For instance, if someone is only slightly leading, "ahead" is sufficient. However, if they have a considerable lead, "far ahead" is more appropriate.