Can 'get ahead' be used without an object?

Yes, often used intransitively (e.g., 'He wants to get ahead').

Is 'get ahead' formal or informal?

Neutral to informal; common in business and everyday contexts, but not typically in very formal writing.

What preposition follows 'get ahead' when specifying a domain?

'in' (get ahead in business) or 'of' when comparing (get ahead of competitors).

Does 'get ahead' have negative connotations?

It can imply excessive ambition or competitiveness in context, but is generally positive.

How do you pronounce “get ahead”?

Get ahead: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɛt əˈhɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɛt əˈhɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

get ahead: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B1 (Intermediate)

UK/ɡɛt əˈhɛd/US/ɡɛt əˈhɛd/

Informal to neutral

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “get ahead” mean?

To make progress or succeed in something, especially by being more advanced than others.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To make progress or succeed in something, especially by being more advanced than others.

To move forward in life, career, or competition; to gain an advantage or surpass rivals.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minor. US speakers may use it more in individualistic achievement contexts, while UK usage includes professional advancement nuances.

Connotations

Positive in both, but can imply a competitive or ambitious attitude.

Frequency

Equally common in both varieties; slightly more frequent in business contexts in American English.

Grammar

How to Use “get ahead” in a Sentence

get ahead (intransitive)get ahead of someone/somethingget ahead in something

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

work hard to get aheadambition to get aheaddetermined to get aheadget ahead in life

medium

get ahead in your careerget ahead of the competitionget ahead financially

weak

get ahead with studiesget ahead in the gameget ahead by working

Examples

Examples of “get ahead” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He studied evenings to get ahead.
She got ahead by taking on extra projects.

American English

You need to work smarter to get ahead.
They got ahead financially by investing early.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

To gain competitive advantage or career promotion.

Academic

To achieve higher grades or research recognition.

Everyday

To improve one's life situation, finances, or social standing.

Technical

Rare; may describe optimisation or process improvement.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “get ahead”

Strong

excel outperform prosper

Neutral

progress advance succeed

Weak

move forwardmake headwaydo well

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “get ahead”

fall behind lag fail stagnate

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “get ahead”

*I got ahead my studies → I got ahead with my studies.
*She got ahead her boss → She got ahead of her boss.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, often used intransitively (e.g., 'He wants to get ahead').
: Neutral to informal; common in business and everyday contexts, but not typically in very formal writing.
: 'in' (get ahead in business) or 'of' when comparing (get ahead of competitors).
: It can imply excessive ambition or competitiveness in context, but is generally positive.
: To make progress or succeed in something, especially by being more advanced than others.
: Get ahead: in British English it is pronounced /ɡɛt əˈhɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡɛt əˈhɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“get ahead of the curve”
“get a head start”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a race: you 'get ahead' when you pass others and move toward the front.

Conceptual Metaphor

LIFE IS A RACE / PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

If you want to in your career, you should consider further training.

Multiple Choice

What does 'get ahead' primarily imply?