to spearhead

USAGE SUMMARY

"to spearhead" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to taking the lead on a particular project, or to initiating something. For example: "The CEO was tasked with spearheading the company's new mission statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"He's the perfect one to spearhead this".

The New York Times

Whatever his pretensions, Mr Lieberman is not ready to spearhead a revolt.

The Economist

The former Met detective was appointed in November to spearhead the government's fight against modern slavery.

The Guardian

The Allied generals now had hundreds of improved tanks to spearhead their attacks.

Independent

By 1963, the landowners had persuaded the Florida governor to spearhead construction of the causeway.

The New York Times

The company recently hired a senior cable-television executive to spearhead the effort.

The Economist

Kent was to spearhead a revolution in building and landscape design.

Independent

The sound that Salem helped to spearhead is called, loosely, witch house.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a team solution, but the quarterback has to spearhead it".

The New York Times - Sports

He joined with business leaders to spearhead the city's successful bid for the Hall.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully Bill Gates is prepared to spearhead the Heaven 17 revival.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to spearhead" when you want to emphasize active leadership and initiative in a project or movement. It suggests a proactive and driving role.

Common error

Avoid using "to spearhead" in situations where the subject isn't actively leading or initiating. For example, don't say "The project was spearheaded by circumstances" rather than "The manager spearheaded the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to spearhead" functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to spearhead" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely used to denote taking a leading role in initiating and driving forward an effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. It is especially common in news, science, and business domains. While its register is generally neutral, appropriate usage emphasizes active leadership rather than passive involvement. Alternative phrases such as "to lead" or "to initiate" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember, effective communication involves choosing the most precise and impactful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to lead

This alternative is more general, focusing on guiding or directing, rather than actively initiating.

to take the lead on

Similar to "to lead", but with a stronger emphasis on initiating and directing a specific task.

to initiate

This alternative focuses on beginning something, without necessarily implying a continued leadership role.

to head up

This alternative is a more informal way of saying to lead or manage.

to drive

This alternative emphasizes the forceful and energetic aspect of leading an effort.

to be at the forefront of

This alternative emphasizes being in a leading position, especially in innovation or progress.

to champion

This alternative suggests advocating for and supporting a cause or project.

to be in charge of

This alternative focuses on responsibility and oversight.

to pioneer

This alternative highlights innovation and being the first to develop or use something.

to take the reins

This alternative implies assuming control and direction of a project or organization.

FAQs

How can I use "to spearhead" in a sentence?

You can use "to spearhead" to describe someone taking the lead on a project or initiative. For example, "She was chosen to spearhead the marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "to spearhead"?

You can use alternatives like "to lead", "to initiate", or "to champion" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "spearhead" an effort?

To "spearhead" an effort means to be the leader or initiator of that effort, driving it forward with energy and determination.

Is it appropriate to use "to spearhead" in formal writing?

Yes, "to spearhead" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business and professional contexts. It conveys a sense of proactive leadership and is often used in news and media reporting.