on the frontline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the frontline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to refer to people or activities on the front line of a conflict or situation, or in a critical or forefront position. Example sentence: The nurses working on the frontline of the hospital were putting their own health at risk to help their patients.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was on the frontline.

The Guardian

"Only men on the frontline," they said.

The Guardian - Arts

Barely a soul moves on the frontline.

The Guardian

This study is on the frontline".

The Guardian

LLFAs are very much on the frontline".

The Guardian

People on the frontline experience this regularly.

The Guardian

You can't go on the frontline.

The Guardian

Writer of 'Women on the Frontline' and 'Heretic'.

Independent

"You are not just on the frontline in our NHS.

Independent

Young women like Tavi stand on the frontline".

Independent

But on the frontline the mood is more equivocal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the frontline" to emphasize the direct and immediate nature of involvement in a conflict, crisis, or important endeavor.

Common error

While versatile, using "on the frontline" for everyday situations can dilute its impact. Reserve it for scenarios that genuinely involve significant challenges or direct engagement with critical issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the frontline" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a noun, indicating a position of direct involvement or confrontation in a particular situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the frontline" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a position of direct engagement, leadership, or immediate impact in a conflict or important situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequent appearance in "News & Media" highlights its relevance in describing active participation in current events and challenges. When writing, use "on the frontline" to add emphasis to direct involvement. Be mindful to avoid overuse in non-critical situations to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as ""at the forefront"" or ""in the vanguard"" may provide a nuance that better aligns with your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the forefront

This alternative emphasizes a leading position or being ahead of others in an activity or movement.

in the forefront

Similar to "at the forefront", but can also suggest being more visible or prominent.

in the vanguard

This phrase suggests being in the leading position, especially in a movement or trend.

at the cutting edge

This emphasizes innovation and being at the most advanced stage of development.

on the leading edge

Similar to 'at the cutting edge', this phrase stresses being at the forefront of progress or innovation.

in the thick of things

This alternative highlights being deeply involved in the most active or intense part of a situation.

in the heat of battle

Implies being in the most intense and challenging part of a conflict or difficult situation.

in the trenches

This phrase conveys being involved in the hard, day-to-day work of a particular field or endeavor.

at ground zero

This phrase suggests being at the very center of a crisis or significant event.

at the coalface

This British idiom refers to the place where the real work happens, especially in difficult conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "on the frontline" in a sentence?

You can use "on the frontline" to describe someone directly involved in a conflict or critical situation, such as "Doctors are "on the frontline" battling the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "on the frontline"?

Alternatives include "at the forefront", "in the vanguard", or "at the cutting edge", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "on the frontline" formal or informal?

The phrase "on the frontline" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is greatest when used in situations involving significant challenges or direct action.

What does it mean to be "on the frontline"?

Being "on the frontline" means being in a position of direct engagement or leadership, especially in a conflict, crisis, or important undertaking. It implies facing challenges and taking immediate action.