looked ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looked ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of considering future possibilities or planning for what is to come. Example: "As she faced the challenges of her new job, she looked ahead to the opportunities that lay before her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then she looked ahead.

The New Yorker

He stopped and looked ahead.

The New Yorker

Hayley looked ahead.

The New York Times - Travel

We looked ahead and bought Nani.

Independent

She blinked once and looked ahead.

The New Yorker

We looked ahead of him.

The New York Times - Sports

He just walked straight and looked ahead".

The Guardian

Others looked ahead; he looked within.

The Guardian - Opinion

She looked ahead instead of down.

The New Yorker

He looked ahead to the Duke game.

The New York Times - Sports

Molly looked ahead at the back of Mrs. Louque's head.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "looked ahead" to convey foresight, anticipation, or planning for future events, but ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and object of the anticipation. For example, "The team looked ahead to the next quarter's goals."

Common error

Avoid using "looked ahead" without a clear indication of what is being anticipated. For example, instead of saying "They looked ahead", specify "They looked ahead to potential market shifts" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looked ahead" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating the act of anticipating future events, planning for future outcomes, or considering possible future scenarios. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "looked ahead" is a common and grammatically sound way to express anticipation, planning, or foresight. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral tone suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "looked ahead", ensure clarity by specifying the subject and object of anticipation. Consider alternatives such as "anticipated", "foresaw", or "planned for the future" to enrich your writing and convey nuances. Always remember to provide enough context for a clear understanding of scope and intentions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considered the future

Emphasizes thinking about what might happen.

planned for the future

Highlights the act of making arrangements for what is to come.

anticipated

Focuses on expecting or predicting something.

took a long-term view

Emphasizes a strategic approach to future planning.

foresaw

Implies seeing or knowing something in advance.

prepared for what's next

Highlights readiness and anticipation for upcoming events.

envisioned

Suggests imagining or picturing a future scenario.

thought about the implications

Stresses careful consideration of potential effects.

projected

Indicates estimating or forecasting future outcomes.

looked to the horizon

Uses a metaphorical expression for anticipating future developments.

FAQs

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

You can use "looked ahead" to indicate planning or anticipating something in the future. For example: "The company "looked ahead" and invested in new technologies."

What's a synonym for "looked ahead"?

Alternatives for "looked ahead" include "anticipated", "foresaw", or "planned for the future", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "looking ahead" instead of "looked ahead"?

Yes, "looking ahead" is the present participle form and is correct when describing an ongoing action or future intention. "Looked ahead" is the past tense, used to describe something that has already occurred.

How does "looked ahead" differ from "looked back"?

"Looked ahead" refers to considering or planning for the future, while "looked back" refers to reflecting on past events or experiences. They are antonyms in this context.