vanguard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'vanguard' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a position at the forefront of an important movement, especially in politics, technology, or social change. For example: "The vanguard of the civil rights movement helped pave the way for future generations of activists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The vanguard for this push is embodied by Pumphouse Point – a much talked about converted hydro facility on Lake St Clair that is catering to wilderness visitors who don't want to shiver in a tent amid the region's tempestuous weather.

The Guardian - Travel

Ways need to be found to hitch up other areas with the vanguard sites so that they can learn as the work progresses.

The Guardian

NHS England's announcement of the vanguard areas for developing new models of care means the Five Year Forward View is now on trial, with many dangers ahead.

The Guardian

Related: NHS Five Year Forward View will need support from clinical staff to succeed The two pressing questions are how can NHS England – and more importantly the rest of the NHS – help the vanguard areas succeed, and how can the successes be replicated across the country?

The Guardian

The NHS has a lamentable record when it comes to spreading innovation; the vanguard programme needs to demonstrate how this inertia can be broken.

The Guardian

I remember evenings spent discussing the role of the vanguard in struggle politics and the re-education camps we planned for the enemy after liberation.

The Guardian

"What we have seen in the past few years is a change of tone, of the substance of the city," said Ilya Oskolkov-Tsentsiper, who founded the Moscow lifestyle magazine Afisha in 1999 and then the Strelka institute in central Moscow, which was set up in 2010 to be the vanguard of urban thinking in the Russian capital.

The Guardian

For an island once considered the last vanguard of the Vatican, this is a seminal moment.

The Guardian

The vanguards need to demonstrate they are viable models for reform in a tough financial climate The vanguard areas will join up mental health, primary care, community nursing, hospitals, pharmacy and social care.

The Guardian

The programme is attempting a difficult balance; on the one hand it is embracing local experimentation and differentiation, while on the other it will ultimately be judged by the scale and pace with which innovation in vanguard areas becomes established practice.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

INS officials in Omaha and Washington are convinced that Vanguard-style operations are the way to go; they are now attempting to bring the concept to other states, beginning with Iowa, as well as to other professions, including restaurant and hotel work, in order to squeeze the kinds of job that are thought to employ the largest number of illegal workers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vanguard", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which the subject is leading or pioneering. For example, specify "the vanguard of sustainable technology" rather than just "the vanguard".

Common error

While "vanguard" can add sophistication to your writing, avoid overusing it, especially in formal contexts. Over-reliance can make your writing sound pretentious. Consider alternatives like "leader" or "pioneer" for a simpler, more direct tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "vanguard" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the leading position in a movement, trend, or field. Ludwig showcases this use in examples where "vanguard" describes entities at the forefront of urban thinking or cultural change. The word also refers to an actual military advance guard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vanguard" is a noun signifying the leading position in a movement or field, emphasizing innovation and leadership. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. While versatile, mindful use is encouraged to avoid overuse. The word's strength lies in conveying pioneering efforts and transformative influence, making it a valuable asset in both formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading edge

Focuses on being at the forefront of progress and innovation, rather than necessarily being a military advance.

cutting edge

Emphasizes the most advanced and innovative aspects, particularly in technology or creative fields.

forefront

Highlights being in the most prominent position, especially in terms of activity or importance.

spearhead

Implies actively leading and initiating a movement or effort, taking on a leadership role.

pioneering group

Highlights the act of being the first to explore or develop something new.

advance guard

Similar to the military origin of "vanguard", but applicable in broader contexts of progress.

front line

Emphasizes being in the most active and challenging position in a particular field.

trailblazers

Focuses on those who are the first to do something, opening the way for others.

innovators

Highlights individuals or groups that introduce new ideas, methods, or products.

leaders

A more general term referring to those who guide or direct others in a particular direction.

FAQs

How can I use "vanguard" in a sentence?

You can use "vanguard" to describe a group or movement at the forefront of innovation or change. For example, "The company is at the vanguard of artificial intelligence research."

What's the difference between "vanguard" and "leader"?

"Vanguard" implies a more progressive or revolutionary role, often associated with significant change, while "leader" is a more general term for someone in charge.

What can I say instead of "vanguard"?

You can use alternatives like "forefront", "leading edge", or "cutting edge" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "vanguard" is appropriate in formal writing, but ensure it aligns with the tone. In overly formal contexts, consider a simpler alternative like "leader" or "pioneer".