get in front of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get in front of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate taking the initiative or being proactive in a situation, often to address an issue before it becomes a problem. Example: "To ensure we meet our deadlines, we need to get in front of any potential obstacles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Kids will get "in front" of the new clean economy.

Huffington Post

But let's not get in front of ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

"However you get in front of a camera, that's enough.

The New York Times

"Just get in front of as many bulls as possible".

The New Yorker

"They just want to get in front of the tube.

The New York Times

We need to get in front of the net.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're just hoping to get in front of Immigration and get un permiso".

The New Yorker

Most Thursdays, I get in front of everybody to answer questions.

The New York Times

Our challenge is to get in front of this niche audience in a cost-effective manner.

The New York Times

Congressional Republicans are trying to get in front of the problem.

The New York Times

Said member of Congress will get in front of that camera by any means necessary.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical positioning, be mindful of the context. If you're referring to avoiding a hockey puck, "get in front of" means something different than "get in front of a hiring manager".

Common error

Avoid using "get in front of" when a more precise term is needed to describe a physical action. For instance, in sports, specify whether it means blocking, intercepting, or leading.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "get in front of" functions primarily to indicate proactive action or positioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and frequently used expression. Examples show it used both literally (in sports) and figuratively (addressing problems).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get in front of" is a versatile phrasal verb signifying proactive measures and strategic positioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Usage ranges from literal scenarios, like blocking a shot in sports, to figurative contexts, such as preempting problems in business or personal life. While generally neutral in tone, its specific nuance depends on context, making it essential to select precise language to convey intent clearly. Remember, taking initiative is key. Whether it's navigating market trends, pitching to investors, or protecting the net, "get in front of" encapsulates the spirit of anticipation and readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take the lead on

Emphasizes assuming a leadership role to address something proactively.

be proactive about

Highlights taking initiative to handle a situation.

address proactively

Highlights acting in advance to deal with an issue before it escalates.

preempt

Focuses on acting before someone else does, especially to prevent something.

be ahead of

Indicates being in a more advanced position, prepared for what's coming.

position oneself before

Stresses the act of strategically placing oneself in advance.

meet with

Highlights arranging a meeting to discuss or deal with something.

present before

Focuses on the act of showcasing or explaining something to an audience.

face

Emphasizes confronting or dealing with a situation directly.

manage

Focuses on controlling or directing a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "get in front of" in a sentence?

You can use "get in front of" to indicate proactively addressing a problem, as in: "We need to "get in front of" this issue before it escalates". It can also mean to present oneself before an audience.

What does "get in front of" mean in a business context?

In a business setting, "get in front of" typically means to proactively address challenges or to position a product or service to gain an advantage. For example: "The company needs to "get in front of" market trends to stay competitive".

What are some alternatives to "get in front of"?

Alternatives include "take the lead on", "address proactively", or "preempt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "get in front of the problem"?

Yes, it's correct. "Get in front of the problem" means to take action to address the issue before it becomes more serious or difficult to manage. This usage is consistent with standard English.