to get ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "to get ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to making progress, succeeding, or doing better than others. Example sentence: She was determined to get ahead and achieve her goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're trying to get ahead".

The New York Times - Sports

Then to get ahead".

The New York Times

— How are you going to get ahead?

The New Yorker

Everyone is always trying to get ahead".

The New York Times

People speak about trying to get ahead.

The New York Times

— I don't want to get ahead.

The New Yorker

We need to get ahead of this.

The New Yorker

Cubans are not allowed to get ahead.

The Economist

"I wasn't able to get ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want to get ahead of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Player-parenting to get ahead.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "to get ahead" to emphasize the pursuit of progress, success, or a competitive advantage in various aspects of life, such as career, education, or personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "to get ahead" in contexts where simple improvement or maintenance is intended. The phrase inherently implies surpassing a current position or outperforming others, not just staying afloat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get ahead" functions as an infinitive phrase often used adverbially to describe the purpose or intention behind an action. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs by indicating the goal of achieving progress or superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to get ahead" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the desire for progress, success, or a competitive advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its relevance to discussions of career advancement, economic strategy, and personal development. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring the context genuinely implies the pursuit of surpassing others, not just maintaining a current position. Remember to consider alternatives like "to advance" or "to make progress" when a more nuanced tone is desired. Ultimately, mastering the usage of "to get ahead" enhances your ability to communicate ambition and strategic intent effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get further

Suggests moving beyond a current position or situation.

to make progress

Highlights the act of moving forward and improving.

to advance

A more general term for moving forward or progressing.

to make headway

Refers to making noticeable progress despite challenges.

to gain an advantage

Highlights obtaining a beneficial position over others.

to prosper

Focuses on achieving financial success and well-being.

to thrive

Emphasizes flourishing and doing exceptionally well.

to improve one's standing

Emphasizes enhancing one's reputation or social status.

to climb the ladder

Implies advancing in a hierarchical structure, often in a career context.

to surpass

Focuses on exceeding expectations or outperforming others.

FAQs

How can I use "to get ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "to get ahead" to describe actions taken to improve one's position or standing, such as "She studied diligently to get ahead in her career" or "He invested wisely to get ahead financially".

What are some alternatives to "to get ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "to advance", "to prosper", or "to make progress" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "to get ahead" and "to keep up"?

"To get ahead" implies striving for improvement and surpassing others, while "to keep up" means maintaining the current level or pace without falling behind.

Is it appropriate to use "to get ahead" in formal writing?

Yes, "to get ahead" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing career advancement, strategic planning, or competitive environments. However, consider alternatives like "to advance" for a more nuanced tone.