very far ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very far ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant distance in time or space, often in a metaphorical sense, indicating that something is well in advance of others. Example: "In terms of technological advancements, our company is very far ahead of our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But hardly anyone in Merced planned very far ahead.

The New York Times

This adjective describes, literally or metaphorically, someone who can't look very far ahead.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What he does know is that the road is going to fork, not very far ahead.

The Economist

These are big decisions and his life is booked up very far ahead".

The Guardian

"Qatar is very far ahead of the curve, not just in works commissioned on site, but also works on loan from collectors around the world," he added.

The New York Times

"Reputation.com is very far ahead of the curve in trying to give consumers some control over their data," he adds.Reputation is not alone, though.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

You need to be really far ahead this time because your revenge is very good at this.

WikiHow

SpaceX is very far out ahead of the competition here, though the next few years will see new entrants in the field.

TechCrunch

I found that the Turkish model is very good, they are far ahead of other countries.

The Guardian

Yet these are the very same White Sox so far ahead of Cleveland that the Indians themselves were making deals just to prove they exist.

The New York Times - Sports

We have stopped planning ahead very far, just making music and wondering where to go next and what to do," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very far ahead" to emphasize a substantial lead or progress in a competitive context, whether in business, technology, or other fields. For example: "Our research team is "very far ahead" in developing the new technology."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "very" can weaken your writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "significantly ahead" or "considerably in advance" to add impact without relying on intensifiers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very far ahead" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate the degree or extent to which something is in a leading or advanced position. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing technological advancements, competitive advantage, or overall progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very far ahead" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize a significant lead or advancement. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts. While "very far ahead" is versatile, consider stronger alternatives like "significantly ahead" or "considerably in advance" for added impact in formal writing. Avoid overusing "very" to maintain clarity and precision. By understanding its function and register, you can effectively incorporate "very far ahead" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly ahead

Emphasizes the magnitude of the lead or advancement.

considerably in advance

Highlights the extent to which something is ahead in time or progress.

substantially ahead

Indicates a noticeable and important advantage.

considerably more advanced

Focuses on the level of progress, implying a significant difference in development.

well in the lead

Focuses on the aspect of leading, implying a comfortable margin.

comfortably ahead

Highlights the ease and security of the leading position.

far out in front

Emphasizes the spatial aspect of being ahead, visualizing a clear lead.

leaps and bounds ahead

Suggests rapid and significant progress resulting in a leading position.

noticeably in front

Highlights the readily observable nature of the leading position.

streets ahead

An informal idiom suggesting a large degree of superiority or advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "very far ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "very far ahead" to describe a situation where someone or something is significantly more advanced or leading compared to others. For example: "In terms of renewable energy technology, this company is "very far ahead" of its competitors."

What are some alternatives to using "very far ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "significantly ahead", "considerably in advance", or "well in the lead" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "very far ahead" in formal writing?

While "very far ahead" is grammatically correct, in very formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "substantially ahead" or "considerably more advanced" to enhance the tone and impact.

What is the difference between "far ahead" and "very far ahead"?

Adding "very" intensifies the degree to which something is ahead. While "far ahead" indicates a lead or advancement, "very far ahead" emphasizes that the lead or advancement is substantial and significant.