we were ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group or individual was in a leading position or had an advantage at a certain point in time. Example: "During the first half of the game, we were ahead by two goals, but the other team made a strong comeback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we were ahead of our time".

The New York Times

We were ahead of the game.

The Guardian

"We were ahead in fighting terrorism".

The New York Times

We were ahead of our time".

The New York Times

Maybe we were ahead of our time".

The New York Times

"I think we were ahead of parts of the state".

The New Yorker

"We were ahead of a lot of states".

The New York Times - Travel

That's the reason we were ahead, two out of three".

The New York Times - Sports

He's said he thinks we were ahead of the curve".

The New Yorker

'We were ahead on every front,' Guccione says.

The Guardian

Always knew we were ahead of the game.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were ahead" to clearly indicate a past leading position in a competition, project, or trend. This phrase works well in reports, narratives, and discussions where highlighting past success or advantage is important.

Common error

Avoid using "we were ahead" when referring to future projections. Instead, use phrases like "we will be ahead" or "we expect to be ahead" to maintain clarity and avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were ahead" primarily functions as a statement of past advantage or leadership. It typically describes a situation where a group was in a leading position, as Ludwig shows in various examples, emphasizing a point of success or progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were ahead" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating a past leading position or advantage. Ludwig's analysis demonstrates its versatility across various contexts, including news, sports, and business. While generally neutral, its usage should be carefully considered to avoid ambiguity with future tense or overstatement of current standing. Remember, as Ludwig AI confirms, clarity and precision are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we held the lead

Focuses on maintaining a leading position; slightly emphasizes the act of holding onto it.

we had the advantage

Highlights the possession of a beneficial position or circumstance.

we were in front

Implies a literal or figurative position of being first or leading.

we were winning

Specifically indicates that the group was in the process of achieving victory.

we were in the lead

Similar to 'we were ahead', but places more emphasis on the act of leading.

we were at the forefront

Implies being in an advanced or pioneering position, often in innovation or progress.

we were surpassing others

Emphasizes outperforming or exceeding the achievements of competitors.

we were outperforming

Focuses on better results compared to others, especially in business or performance contexts.

we were progressing rapidly

Highlights the speed and advancement in a particular endeavor.

we were setting the pace

Indicates that the group was establishing the standard or speed for others to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "we were ahead" in a sentence?

You can use "we were ahead" to describe a past situation where your team, company, or group had an advantage or leading position. For instance, "We were ahead in the first half of the game", or "We were ahead of the competition in developing new technologies".

What are some alternatives to "we were ahead"?

Some alternatives include "we were in the lead", "we had the advantage", or "we were winning", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we were ahead of the game"?

Yes, "we were ahead of the game" is a common idiom that means you were well-prepared or had an advantage compared to others. It implies foresight and proactive planning. For example: "By investing early in renewable energy, "we were ahead of the game"".

What does it mean to say "we were ahead of our time"?

Saying "we were ahead of our time" means that your ideas, innovations, or work were more advanced or progressive than what was generally accepted or understood during that period. It suggests that your efforts were not fully appreciated or utilized until later. For example: "Our innovative approach to education meant "we were ahead of our time", and it took years for others to catch up".