the foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the foremost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something or someone that is the most important or prominent in a particular context. Example: "She is regarded as the foremost expert in her field, having published numerous influential papers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was the foremost precursor of vaudeville.

The New Yorker

The foremost of these is violent crime.

The Economist

The Warsaw ghetto was the foremost example.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bābur himself was the foremost contributor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He soon became the foremost Tory architect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foremost English practitioner was Isaac Gosset.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sun hits the foremost peak.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hennessy is among the foremost fund-raisers in America.

The New Yorker

"And the foremost of these duties is to love France".

The New York Times

"The U.S.A. is the foremost enemy of Islam," it said.

The New York Times

He became known as the foremost Russian émigré in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the foremost", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared or ranked. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "the foremost" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "the main" or "the key" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foremost" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate the highest degree of importance, rank, or prominence. Ludwig examples show it used to describe leading figures, primary reasons, or essential qualities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foremost" is a phrase used to denote something of primary importance or highest rank, as evidenced by Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples. It is deemed grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, especially in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While its use is widespread, its formality suggests it is best suited for professional or academic writing. When using "the foremost", it's crucial to provide clear context to what's being compared. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for writers aiming to emphasize significance and prominence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the leading

This alternative places emphasis on current leadership or position at the front.

the most important

This alternative directly states the high level of importance.

the primary

This alternative highlights the fundamental or foundational nature of something.

the principal

Similar to 'primary', but often used in more formal contexts.

the top

This alternative is more informal, suggesting the highest rank.

the paramount

This alternative emphasizes supreme importance or dominance.

the preeminent

This alternative suggests outstanding distinction or superiority.

the supreme

This alternative implies the highest authority or power.

the dominant

This alternative focuses on the controlling or prevailing influence.

the main

This alternative simply indicates the greatest in size, extent, or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "the foremost" in a sentence?

Use "the foremost" to highlight something of primary importance or highest rank. For example, "She is considered "the foremost" expert in her field."

What are some alternatives to "the foremost"?

You can use alternatives like "the leading", "the most important", or "the primary" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a foremost" instead of "the foremost"?

While "foremost" can be used without "the", it changes the meaning. "The foremost" specifies something as the most important, whereas "a foremost" suggests it is among the most important, but not necessarily the single most important.

What's the difference between "the foremost" and "the main"?

"The foremost" implies a higher degree of importance or prominence compared to "the main". While both indicate significance, "the foremost" suggests something is at the very top, while "the main" simply means it's a key element.