B1adverb 1K

Ahead

UK /["/əˈhed/"]/ US /["/əˈhed/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

further forward in space or time; in front

Listen to definition

In simple words: In front of; in the future.

Examples

• I'll run ahead and warn them.
• The road ahead was blocked.
• We've got a lot of hard work ahead.
• This will create problems in the months ahead.
• He was looking straight ahead *(= straight forward, in front of him)*.
• The party was planned weeks ahead.
• Our team was ahead by six points.
• You need to work hard to keep ahead.

Usage notes

Use 'ahead' when talking about directions, plans, or time. It's appropriate in most contexts but avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'a head' leading the way — picture someone walking ahead of others.

Collocations

• look ahead
• go ahead
• ahead of schedule
• ahead of time
• stay ahead

Synonyms

• in advance

Antonyms

• behind
• lagging

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'ahead of' when indicating a leader or someone superior.
• Using 'ahead' where 'before' would be more appropriate in time contexts.
• Misplacing 'ahead' in a sentence, leading to unclear meaning.