getting ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

'getting ahead' is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to making progress or achieving success, usually in a business or career setting. For example, you could say: "John has been working hard and is really getting ahead in his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But we are getting ahead of ourselves.

The New York Times - Books

Progress is getting ahead of everybody".

The New Yorker

Senator McCain is getting ahead of himself".

The New York Times

Getting ahead at work, however, is difficult.

The New York Times

But I am getting ahead of myself.

The New Yorker

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The New York Times - Travel

But we're getting ahead of ourselves.

The New York Times

"We talked about getting ahead.

The New York Times

I am getting ahead here.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

When women get ahead everyone gets ahead".

Independent

Get ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting ahead" to describe active efforts to improve one's position or situation, especially in professional or financial contexts. For example, "She is taking extra courses to get ahead in her career".

Common error

While "getting ahead" is widely understood, it can sound overly ambitious or formal in casual conversations. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "improving" or "making progress" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting ahead" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as a gerund or present participle. It describes the action of making progress or achieving success, particularly in a career or financial context. Ludwig examples confirm its common use in expressing active advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting ahead" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of making progress and achieving success, particularly in professional or financial contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, with a neutral to professional register. While commonly found in news, business, and formal discussions, be mindful of its potential formality in casual settings. Consider alternative phrases like "making progress" or "advancing professionally" depending on your desired tone. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, "getting ahead" is a valuable term for expressing ambition and striving for improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancing professionally

Focuses specifically on career advancement.

making progress

Highlights the act of moving forward, applicable in various contexts.

succeeding in business

Emphasizes accomplishment within a commercial environment.

climbing the ladder

Uses a metaphor for career progression.

moving up in the world

Implies a broader sense of improvement and achievement.

prospering

Highlights financial success and well-being.

gaining ground

Suggests making advancements against competition or obstacles.

improving one's standing

Focuses on enhancing reputation or social status.

making headway

Emphasizes overcoming challenges to move forward.

bettering oneself

Implies personal development and improvement as a path to advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting ahead" to describe making progress or achieving success, particularly in professional or financial contexts. For example, "Hard work is essential for "getting ahead" in your career".

What's a good alternative to "getting ahead"?

Alternatives to "getting ahead" include "making progress", "advancing professionally", or "succeeding in business", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "get ahead" instead of "getting ahead"?

Yes, "get ahead" is correct, but it functions differently. "Get ahead" is the base verb form, while "getting ahead" is the present participle, used in continuous tenses (e.g., "He is getting ahead") or as a gerund (e.g., "Getting ahead is important").

What is the difference between "getting ahead" and "staying ahead"?

"Getting ahead" refers to the process of making progress or improving one's position, while "staying ahead" implies maintaining a lead or advantage that one already has. "Staying ahead" suggests ongoing effort to remain successful or competitive.