fronting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fronting" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in linguistic contexts.
It can be used when discussing the syntactic phenomenon where a word or phrase is moved to the front of a sentence for emphasis or clarity. Example: "In the sentence 'To the store, I will go,' the phrase 'to the store' is an example of fronting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I don't think any politician should be fronting the referendum campaign," he told the Express last month.

The Guardian

Peter Wright, the former Mail on Sunday editor, one of those fronting the industry's efforts, wrote to Letwin to complain about the direction No 10's royal charter plan had taken – and the meeting heard that the minister had responded offering some concessions in reply.

The Guardian

"I was fronting the businesses, not a front for the Obeids – there's a difference, sir," Abood said.

The Guardian

It prompts concerns that, despite the excellent Jacqui Oatley fronting comprehensive coverage of the tournament on BBC television, domestic interest could be affected by the significant time differences which dictate some games, the final included, are scheduled late at night in western Europe.

The Guardian - Sport

It seemed fitting that after his brave-faced honesty fronting the media this week, Bombers captain Jobe Watson should be confronted in his first game of the season by a Sydney downpour.

The Guardian - Sport

Dara O'Briain is also fronting a quiz with Richard Osman called All About Two, while the channel's music and sports heritage in shows such as Pot Black and The Old Grey Whistle Test will be celebrated in Pop Goes BBC2 and 50 Years of Sport on BBC2, presented by Sue Barker.

The Guardian

His Labour rival, Ken Livingstone, is fronting a tired and petulant campaign.

The Economist

See articleIn from the cold?Egypt's three-round general election ended with independent candidates fronting for the Muslim Brotherhood increasing their tally of parliamentary seats sixfold, to more than 90 of the chamber's 454.

The Economist

But the purpose of the fronting arrangements was to keep the true ownership of Aurora hidden from regulators while Mr Pinault gradually acquired the shares.

The Economist

Newly rich smugglers snap up the bargains, fronting the homes of once well-to-do academics with garish neo-Babylonian columns.

The Economist

She chose to go to the country when Labor was ahead in the polls, just two months after fronting a coup against Kevin Rudd, seen as an autocrat and a loser after having abandoned his signature climate-change bill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fronting" to describe syntactic movement in linguistics, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to the movement of a phrase or clause to the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "fronting" when you simply mean leading or managing without any implication of misrepresentation or facade. Use a more direct term like "leading" or "managing" if there is no deceptive intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fronting" is as a verb, often in its present participle form (fronting). It can describe the action of leading, facing, or, in a more nuanced sense, acting as a facade. As Ludwig AI notes, context is key to understanding its intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "fronting" is versatile, carrying multiple meanings depending on the context. It can denote leading or representing, but often implies a deceptive facade. It is grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, and frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Therefore, understanding the context is crucial to interpreting the intended meaning of "fronting" accurately. Remember to use it carefully, particularly when you want to convey someone's role as a leader or representative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading

Focuses on the act of guiding or directing, emphasizing leadership.

representing

Highlights the act of standing in for someone or something.

heading

Emphasizes being at the forefront or top of something.

facing

Stresses the act of being positioned directly opposite something else.

preceding

Focuses on the action of coming before something else in order or time.

at the front of

Describes physical position at the head or beginning of something

at the head of

Describes physical position at the head of a group or gathering

taking the lead

Focuses on the act of initiating and directing an activity.

spearheading

Emphasizes initiating and leading a campaign or initiative.

championing

Highlights actively supporting or defending a cause or person.

FAQs

How is "fronting" used in linguistics?

In linguistics, "fronting" refers to the syntactic process where a word or phrase is moved to the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or focus. For example, in "That book, I really enjoyed it," "that book" has undergone fronting.

What does "fronting" mean in the context of business or politics?

In business or politics, "fronting" often refers to a situation where someone is acting as a figurehead or representative, potentially concealing the true identity or intentions of the actual decision-makers. This can sometimes imply a deceptive practice.

What are some synonyms for "fronting" when it means 'leading'?

When "fronting" means leading or representing, you can use alternatives like "leading", "heading", or "representing" depending on the specific context.

Is "fronting" always negative in connotation?

While "fronting" can often imply deception or misrepresentation, particularly in business or political contexts, it is not always negative. In linguistics, it is a neutral term describing a syntactic process. The connotation depends heavily on the context.