fore

USAGE SUMMARY

"fore" is an acceptable and usable term in written English.
It is usually used as a prefix meaning before or in front of. For example, "The firehouse is located just fore of the playground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is when first-year students begin eyeing up where they are going to live in their second year, starting in September or October – which is where the society's "Buy for Uni" product comes to the fore.

The Guardian - Money

But once the hacking scandal forced Coulson out, Cummings was in, bringing – many say – the combative side of Gove to the fore.

The Guardian

The zesty, sharp contrast of tropical fruits against meat is perfect for this time of year, and new writers, such as Shivi Ramoutar, will be bringing them to the fore.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ronaldo had blasted a fifth-minute free-kick into the wall but, with Toni Kroos and Isco to the fore, the defending champions began to manipulate the ball with purpose.

The Guardian - Sport

Since taking over the helm of the NHS Confederation in February 2014, I've driven forward a strong focus with partners on the 2015 challenge, which brings to the fore the major issues we need to address.

The Guardian

At that point the decision was taken that the OFT would continue its work, a decision the police said was made with "the interests of the consumer being at the fore".

The Guardian - Money

This book was first published in 2003, and 12 years later, in a world where flexibility, job satisfaction and wellbeing have come to the fore, much of it seems hugely old fashioned.

The Guardian

The script for the summit has been written in Berlin, indicating how the crisis has thrust Germany to the fore in Europe in a way unparalleled since the country was reunified 20 years ago.

The Guardian - Business

At the same time, it brings to the fore a conversation that is often difficult, and painful, to initiate; that of tribe and tribal relationships in Zimbabwe.

The Guardian

The issue of violent fan behaviour was also to the fore.

The Guardian - Sport

Harris's excellent Moneypenny came to the fore in Bond hit Skyfall recently but her performance as Winnie Mandela opposite Idris Elba's Nelson in Justin Chadwick's film looks set to catapult her to the front rank of actresses.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fore" when you want to emphasize the front or leading position of something, both literally and figuratively. For example, "the interests of the consumer being at the fore".

Common error

Avoid using "fore" in contexts where it doesn't relate to the front, leading position, or being ahead. For instance, don't use "fore" instead of "for" in a sentence expressing purpose or reason.

Linguistic Context

The word "fore" functions as a noun, adverb, adjective, interjection and verb. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's commonly used to indicate the front or leading position of something, both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fore" is multifaceted, functioning as a noun, adverb, adjective, interjection and verb. According to Ludwig, it's frequently employed to signify the front, lead, or a prominent position, both in literal and figurative contexts. Predominantly featured in news and formal writing, its versatile nature allows it to convey spatial arrangements or bring abstract concepts to the forefront. While "fore" is typically found in neutral to formal registers, depending on the context. Therefore, when using "fore", ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of prominence or being at the front, as its misuse can lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front

Direct synonym, focusing on the position ahead.

forefront

Highlights prominence or importance.

foreground

Emphasizes the part of a view or picture closest to the observer.

bow

Refers specifically to the front of a ship.

head

General term for the leading part or position.

prow

Similar to bow, emphasizing the forward part of a vessel.

vanguard

Highlights the leading position in a movement or trend.

before

Indicates precedence in time or order.

stem

Technical term for the forwardmost part of a ship's bow.

van

Short for vanguard, implying a leading position.

FAQs

How to use "fore" in a sentence?

You can use "fore" to indicate something is at the front, like "with Toni Kroos and Isco to the fore", or to bring an issue to the forefront, like "recent events in Ukraine have brought it to the "fore" again".

What does it mean when something is "to the fore"?

When something is "to the fore", it means it is in a prominent position or brought to attention. It's similar to saying something is at the "front" or in the "foreground".

Which is correct, "to the fore" or "to the front"?

"To the fore" and "to the front" are both correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "To the fore" is often used to emphasize bringing something into prominence or attention, while "to the front" simply indicates a forward position.

What can I say instead of bringing something "to the fore"?

You can use phrases like bringing something "to the "forefront"", "highlighting", or "emphasizing" depending on the context.