miles ahead of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miles ahead of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that someone or something is much better than everything else or far surpassing all expectations. For example, "She was miles ahead of the competition in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Lagerfeld is miles ahead of everyone.

The New York Times

They were miles ahead of schedule.

The Guardian - Sport

And London's inner-city schools are miles ahead of the rest of the country.

The Economist

"Jack's maturity is miles ahead of his age," Wenger said Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

As a showcase for an eco-fabulous lifestyle, Daylesford is miles ahead of the competition.

Independent

This year, though, This Morning must be miles ahead of its ITV sister.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When he came back all his competitors were miles ahead of him.

The Guardian

But then she's always been out there, miles ahead of the rest.

The Guardian - Sport

This places China at the very top, miles ahead of the 24% global average rate.

The Guardian

Yet the young Bellow was already miles ahead of Kazin, intellectually speaking.

The New York Times - Books

Although it is miles ahead of Gregg Bakowski who got a miserable 5,000 and something.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "miles ahead of" to emphasize a significant difference or advantage. Avoid using it when the difference is marginal or negligible.

Common error

While "miles ahead of" is a vivid expression, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "far superior to" or "significantly more advanced than" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miles ahead of" functions as an adjectival phrase acting as a modifier, typically describing a noun or pronoun. It signifies a state of being significantly more advanced, successful, or superior compared to others. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "miles ahead of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote significant superiority or advancement. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and effective way to emphasize a substantial difference. While primarily found in news and media, its versatility allows for use in other contexts. Remember to wield it judiciously, opting for synonyms like "far superior to" when variation enhances your writing. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is a reliable tool for expressing considerable advantage or progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far superior to

Emphasizes a significant difference in quality or ability.

significantly more advanced than

Highlights the level of progress or development in comparison.

leaps and bounds ahead of

Suggests a rapid and substantial degree of progress.

streets ahead of

Indicates a considerable advantage, often in a figurative sense.

in a different league than

Conveys that something or someone is at a much higher level.

light years ahead of

Emphasizes the vast difference in progress or achievement.

considerably in front of

Focuses on the position of being further along in a process or competition.

a cut above

Suggests a noticeable improvement in quality or status.

well ahead of the curve

Indicates being innovative or proactive compared to the norm.

leading the pack by a wide margin

Highlights a dominant position in a competition or field.

FAQs

How can I use "miles ahead of" in a sentence?

Use "miles ahead of" to illustrate a substantial lead or superiority. For example, "Their technology is "miles ahead of" the competition".

What's the difference between "miles ahead of" and "slightly ahead of"?

"Miles ahead of" indicates a significant advantage, while "slightly ahead of" implies a small difference. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the magnitude of the difference.

Are there any contexts where "miles ahead of" might be inappropriate?

Avoid using "miles ahead of" in formal or academic writing where a more precise and neutral term might be preferred. In such contexts, consider "significantly more advanced than" or "far superior to".

What can I say instead of "miles ahead of"?

You can use alternatives like "far superior to", "significantly more advanced than", or "leaps and bounds ahead of" depending on the context.