leading and trailing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading and trailing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions that move in two directions at once, such as "She leads and trails the team with her strong example."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The leading and trailing dislocations form a superdislocation, separated by an antiphase boundary (APB).

Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Modern Processes

The TIMIT data does not include a significant amount of leading and trailing silence.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The test results show the effect of rotation on duct leading and trailing side heat transfer.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

These include the wingʼs aspect ratio, camber line, and curvature of the leading and trailing edges.

Aerospace Science and Technology

In directed cell migration, spatial asymmetry necessary for early events that establish polarized leading and trailing edges is acquired [41].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The ensuing rarefaction wave creates toroidal rings at the leading and trailing edges of the plasma.

Combustion and Flame

A SPPM module was attached to both the leading and trailing edges of the section model.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Adaptive wings have long used smooth morphing technique of compliant leading and trailing edge to improve their aerodynamic characteristics.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

Secondly, a thickness distribution optimization flattens the pressure distribution and decreases the suction peaks at the leading and trailing edges.

Energy

Neutrophil polarity relies on local, mutual inhibition to segregate incompatible signaling circuits to the leading and trailing edges.

Cell Reports

Preliminary results highlight the kinematic and kinetic specificities of the leading and trailing shoulders and elbows during SPTs.

Journal of Biomechanics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing components or elements with a directional relationship, use "leading and trailing" to clearly indicate their relative positions or order within a system.

Common error

Avoid using "leading and trailing" when simply referring to the front and back of a stationary object. This phrase is best suited for describing edges, parts, or processes with a distinct directional or sequential aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading and trailing" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe the edges, surfaces, or components of an object or process that have a distinct directional relationship or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

Wiki

7%

News & Media

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading and trailing" is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific and technical domains, to describe components with a directional relationship. According to Ludwig AI it's a correct and usable phrase. While alternatives like "front and rear" or "first and last" exist, "leading and trailing" is best suited for contexts where directional movement or sequence is key. Avoiding its misuse in place of simple positional descriptions, such as "front and back", is crucial for maintaining precision. Its primary function is to clarify the relative position or order within a system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

front and rear

This alternative uses spatial terms indicating the beginning and end points, akin to "leading and trailing".

first and last

This suggests the initial and final elements in a sequence, similar to "leading and trailing".

initial and final

Indicates the start and end positions, emphasizing a sequential aspect like "leading and trailing".

beginning and ending

Highlights the commencement and termination points, much like "leading and trailing".

head and tail

Uses figurative language to represent the start and end, comparable to "leading and trailing".

advancing and receding

Describes movement forward and backward, relating to the directional nature of "leading and trailing".

foremost and hindmost

Specifies the position at the very front and very back, analogous to "leading and trailing".

preceding and following

Emphasizes the order of events or items, similar to the sequence implied by "leading and trailing".

anterior and posterior

Uses anatomical terms for front and back, providing a scientific context similar to "leading and trailing".

outset and conclusion

Highlights the start and finish of a process or event, reflecting the beginning and end aspects of "leading and trailing".

FAQs

How can I use "leading and trailing" in a sentence?

The phrase "leading and trailing" is typically used to describe edges, surfaces, or components that have a directional relationship, like "The heat insulation performance at the "leading and trailing" edges is relatively better than the suction and pressure sides".

What are some alternatives to "leading and trailing"?

Depending on the context, you can use "front and rear", "first and last", or "initial and final" instead of "leading and trailing".

When is it appropriate to use "leading and trailing"?

Use "leading and trailing" when you want to emphasize the directional or sequential aspect of two related elements. It's particularly useful in technical and scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "leading and trailing" and "front and back"?

"Leading and trailing" implies a directional movement or sequence, while "front and back" simply refers to the two opposite sides of an object without necessarily implying motion or progression.