leap ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

"leap ahead" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to suddenly make significant or noticeable progress or to move forward in an unexpected way. You can use it when you want to convey the idea that something has progressed or changed significantly. For example: "With the launch of the new product, the company has leapt ahead of the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We could leap ahead".

The Guardian - Business

Let's leap ahead to 2009.

The New York Times

Does the car leap ahead or stop faster than expected?

The New York Times - Travel

By the late 90's, Latin jazz was ready to leap ahead.

The New York Times - Arts

South Korea saw a chance to leap ahead of everyone else.

The New Yorker

"I'm tempted to just leap ahead to where we would have been," Mr. Daniels said.

The New York Times - Arts

But before the world and Liu leap ahead to 2008, a quick look back at Osaka.

The New York Times - Sports

In its own development, Malaysia lies somewhere between the extremes and is trying to leap ahead.

The New York Times - Tech

Boeing wants to obstruct the new big Airbus A340 models, which would leap ahead of Boeing's own 777.

The Economist

But it forces scientists to justify what they are doing as "necessary and desirable" every time they leap ahead.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is the most flexible, most agile aircraft this country has ever produced with leap-ahead technology.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leap ahead" to describe significant advancements or progress that outpaces the expected rate. It is suitable for scenarios where innovation, strategic advantage, or unexpected breakthroughs are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "leap ahead" for minor improvements or incremental changes. This phrase suggests a considerable and noticeable advancement, not just a slight enhancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leap ahead" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used intransitively to describe something making rapid or significant progress. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various domains, indicating its role in expressing advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leap ahead" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe making rapid and significant progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is most effective when describing advancements that are not only fast but also transformative. Alternatives like ""surge forward"" or ""catapult forward"" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The most important consideration is to ensure that the degree of progress matches the implication of substantial advancement conveyed by "leap ahead".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge forward

Focuses on the sudden increase in momentum or progress.

jump-start progress

Implies initiating a rapid advancement after a period of stagnation.

catapult forward

Suggests being forcefully propelled into a more advanced position.

make strides

Highlights significant improvements or progress being made.

gain ground rapidly

Emphasizes quickly improving position relative to others.

accelerate progress

Focuses on increasing the speed of development.

move swiftly ahead

Indicates a fast and unimpeded advancement.

rocket ahead

Suggests a dramatic and rapid increase in success or position.

spring forward

Implies sudden advancement after a period of being held back.

advance significantly

Highlights the importance or impact of progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "leap ahead" to describe significant progress, for example: "The company's new technology allowed them to "surge forward" in the market."

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

Alternatives to "leap ahead" include "catapult forward", "make strides", or "gain ground rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "leap ahead" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as demonstrated by its use in news articles and business reports. However, ensure the context warrants the implication of substantial progress.

What kind of progress is best described by "leap ahead"?

"Leap ahead" is best used to describe progress that is not only faster but also more significant or transformative than usual. It suggests a move past competitors or previous limitations.