ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get ahead

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford General-service

phr. v.. to be more successful than other people, especially in your job or career.

phr. v.. to make progress or achieve success in a competitive environment, particularly in professional or financial contexts.


SIMPLE

She works hard because she wants to get ahead.

CONTEXTUAL

Learning a second language is a great way to get ahead in the international business world.

COMPLEX

In an increasingly saturated job market, young professionals often feel pressured to work overtime just to get ahead of their peers.

Particles
ahead
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + ahead (+ of + object)
Usage

often used with 'in' to specify the field or 'of' to specify the competition.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'get by' (to survive/manage) to show how 'get ahead' implies moving forward and winning rather than just maintaining.

Pitfall

He wants to get ahead his colleagues.He wants to get ahead of his colleagues.when comparing yourself to others, you must use the preposition 'of' after the phrase.

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