to be in the forefront

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be in the forefront" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate being at the leading position or being prominent in a particular context or field. Example: "Our company aims to be in the forefront of technological innovation in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Drones will continue to be in the forefront.

Independent

Science suddenly seemed to be in the forefront of what was happening in advanced kitchens.

The New Yorker

He was not asked to be in the forefront, and he did not want to be.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've jumped ahead and are trying to be in the forefront of that," says Henderson.

The Guardian

France and Germany used to be in the forefront of the effort.

The Guardian - Business

"They don't tell us to be in the forefront; they don't tell us not to be in the forefront," said Steve Rosen, director of foreign policy issues for the American Israel Political Action Committee.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"We're deeply committed to being in the national forefront in developing environmentally sustainable practices at our airports, seaports, tunnels and bridges," Anthony R. Coscia, the chairman of the Port Authority, said in a statement.

The New York Times

An administration with nothing to fear from the truth would be in the forefront of protecting the historical record.

The New York Times

Again Germany, as the biggest Western exporter to Iran, is in the forefront.

The Economist

But the Diocese of Los Angeles is proud to have been in the forefront of inclusion.

Huffington Post

"It's good to ensure it's in the forefront of conversation, get local politicians involved, bring the issue to light".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "to be in the forefront" with specific actions or achievements to illustrate the impact of that leading position. For example, "The company aims to be in the forefront of sustainable technology by investing heavily in research and development."

Common error

Avoid using "to be in the forefront" passively. Instead of saying "The project is intended to be in the forefront", actively state who or what is driving this leadership: "We intend for the project to be in the forefront".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be in the forefront" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express an intention, goal, or aspiration. As Ludwig AI highlights, it typically describes a desired state of leadership or prominence in a particular domain.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be in the forefront" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey leadership or a pioneering role across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and accepted in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific sources, highlighting its relevance in discussing innovation and progress. When writing, ensure the phrase is used actively to highlight who or what is taking the leading role. Remember that it is possible to substitute this phrase with alternatives such as "to be in the lead" or "to be at the vanguard" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be at the vanguard

Indicates being a leader or pioneer in a particular field or movement, similar to being in the forefront but carries a slightly stronger connotation of innovation.

to be in the vanguard

Represents being at the cutting edge or leading position, emphasizing innovation and forward-thinking action.

to be in the lead

Suggests taking a primary role or position in a project, initiative, or competition, focusing on direction and control.

to be in the frontline

Implies direct involvement and active participation in a challenging or critical situation, stressing engagement and immediacy.

to be at the cutting edge

Refers to being involved in the most advanced and innovative developments within a field, indicating a focus on progress and novelty.

to be in the spotlight

Highlights visibility and public attention, suggesting a prominent role or position that attracts observation and recognition.

to be a leading figure

Focuses on the individual's influence and significance within a particular area, indicating a role of authority and recognition.

to take the initiative

Emphasizes proactive behavior and a willingness to start or lead new endeavors, focusing on personal drive and action.

to spearhead efforts

Indicates leading or driving an initiative, focusing on directing resources and momentum towards a specific goal.

to be a trendsetter

Implies setting new standards or directions that others follow, focusing on innovation and influence over others' behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "to be in the forefront" in a sentence?

You can use "to be in the forefront" to describe being a leader or innovator in a particular field. For example, "Our company aims to "to be in the forefront" of renewable energy technologies".

What phrases are similar to "to be in the forefront"?

Similar phrases include "to be in the lead", "to be in the vanguard", or "to be at the cutting edge". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar sense of leadership or prominence.

Is it better to say "to be at the forefront" or "to be in the forefront"?

Both "to be at the forefront" and "to be in the forefront" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. Both are widely accepted and understood.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "to be in the forefront"?

It's appropriate to use "to be in the forefront" in contexts where you want to emphasize innovation, leadership, or being at the leading edge of a particular field or movement. This phrase works well in business, science, technology, and social contexts.