gets ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is making progress or advancing in a particular area, such as their career or personal goals. Example: "She works hard every day to ensure that she gets ahead in her career and achieves her professional aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

When women get ahead everyone gets ahead".

Independent

Wood gets ahead of him 0-2.

The Guardian - Sport

He gets ahead of the hitters and goes to work.

The New York Times - Sports

And that, too, is how America gets ahead.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Morrison gets ahead of Djourou and Reading clear.

The Guardian - Sport

"He seems like he gets ahead of everybody," Posada said.

The New York Times - Sports

Genes are a factor in who gets ahead in society, often acting as engines of mobility that counter social disadvantage.

Princeton University

He gets ahead 3-1, but is caught looking at a strike.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Man gets ahead, in other words, by discarding the theory of today for the fact of tomorrow".

Forbes

Apulia's eagerness to woo the international jet set sometimes gets ahead of its good taste.

The New York Times - Travel

Once he gets ahead in the count, he typically becomes even more effective.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports contexts, "gets ahead" can describe gaining an advantage over an opponent. Be sure to specify how someone is getting ahead (e.g., "gets ahead in the count" in baseball).

Common error

Avoid using "gets ahead" when describing situations that require collaboration rather than competition. The phrase implies a degree of self-interest and may not be appropriate when teamwork is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets ahead" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It indicates the action of making progress or achieving success, particularly in competitive contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets ahead" is a commonly used and grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the act of making progress or gaining an advantage, Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, academic writing, and sports contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean towards informal, making it wise to consider more formal synonyms like advances or progresses in certain settings. Understanding the phrase's function and potential contextual limitations can help writers use it effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advances

This term emphasizes forward movement and progress, similar to getting ahead but with a slightly more formal tone.

progresses

Focuses on the act of moving forward and improving, akin to getting ahead in a gradual manner.

succeeds

Highlights the achievement of a desired outcome, suggesting a successful effort to get ahead.

thrives

Implies not only getting ahead but also flourishing and doing well, suggesting a state of prosperity.

ascends

Suggests a climb or rise to a higher position or status, similar to getting ahead in a hierarchical context.

excels

Emphasizes outstanding performance and achievement, reflecting a superior way of getting ahead.

makes headway

Describes making progress despite challenges, akin to gradually getting ahead by overcoming obstacles.

gains ground

Focuses on increasing one's position or advantage, similar to getting ahead in a competitive environment.

moves up

Suggests upward mobility or advancement in a career or social setting, similar to getting ahead in a structured system.

becomes successful

Highlights the achievement of success, representing the result of efforts to get ahead.

FAQs

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

You can use "gets ahead" to describe someone making progress, gaining an advantage, or achieving success. For example, "She works hard to ensure that she "gets ahead" in her career."

What are some alternatives to "gets ahead"?

Alternatives include "advances", "progresses", and "succeeds", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gets ahead" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "advances" or "progresses" in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or official reports.

What's the difference between "gets ahead" and "moves forward"?

"Gets ahead" often implies a competitive element or achieving a position relative to others, whereas "moves forward" simply means making progress without necessarily surpassing others. For example, instead of saying that the business will simply "move forward", we hope it ""gets ahead"".