in the foreground

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the foreground" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is particularly prominent or important relative to surrounding elements. For example, "The sky was a brilliant pink with the sun rising in the foreground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Muted in the foreground sings.

The New Yorker

Pink flowers in the foreground.

The New Yorker

In the foreground was a vodka bottle.

The New Yorker

A bed is in the foreground.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the foreground, "Spider Couple".

The New York Times

The camera in the foreground.

The New Yorker

The current president was in the foreground.

The New York Times

In the foreground, stultifyingly polite trivialities.

The New York Times

There are actual laborers in the foreground.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm not anymore in the foreground.

The New York Times - Magazine

Empty hangers squat in the foreground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the foreground" to emphasize elements that are visually or conceptually closest to the observer or most important in a scene or situation. It helps create a sense of depth and priority.

Common error

Avoid using "in the foreground" too frequently when discussing abstract concepts. Overuse can make your writing sound clunky. Instead, use more nuanced phrases like "of primary importance" or "a key aspect" when the context isn't literally visual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the foreground" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, specifying the location or prominence of something. It indicates what is visually or conceptually closest or most important, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the foreground" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote prominence or proximity, whether literal or metaphorical. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. When writing, using "in the foreground" helps direct attention to the most significant elements of a scene or idea. However, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive, especially in abstract discussions. Alternatives like "in the forefront" or "front and center" can offer nuanced emphasis. The phrase's widespread acceptance and varied application, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, make it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front and center

Emphasizes both the physical position at the front and the importance of the subject.

in the forefront

Emphasizes being at the very front or leading edge, often suggesting a position of leadership or visibility. It highlights the forward-most aspect of something.

at the forefront

Highlights being at the leading edge, often associated with innovation or progress.

in the spotlight

Refers to receiving a lot of public attention or being the center of focus, similar to being in the foreground of a scene.

in the limelight

Similar to "in the spotlight", it indicates public attention and fame.

in focus

Indicates clarity and prominence, drawing attention to something specific.

taking center stage

Implies assuming a primary role or position of importance, similar to dominating the foreground.

in the center

Indicates a central position, either literally or figuratively, suggesting importance or prominence.

in view

Highlights that something is visible and present, similar to being in the foreground of a visual scene.

in the picture

Indicates inclusion and relevance, suggesting that something is an important part of the overall situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in the foreground" in a sentence?

You can use "in the foreground" to describe the elements in a visual scene that are closest to the viewer, such as "In the foreground of the painting, there was a bouquet of flowers." It can also be used metaphorically to indicate what is most prominent or important in a situation or discussion.

What are some alternatives to "in the foreground"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in the forefront", "front and center", or "in focus".

When is it appropriate to use "in the foreground" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "in the foreground" metaphorically when you want to emphasize that something is the most important or prominent aspect of a situation, idea, or discussion. For example, "Personal relationships are again "in the foreground" in this novel."

What is the difference between "in the foreground" and "in the background"?

"In the foreground" refers to the elements that are closest or most prominent, while "in the background" refers to the elements that are farther away or less important. Using them helps to create a sense of depth and priority in descriptions.