ahead of

Further forward than someone or something in a place or line.

• A dog ran ahead of me.
• There were three people ahead of us in the queue.
• Can you see the bridge ahead of the bus?

How to use it: ahead of someone/something (A red car was ahead of us.)

Similar words: in front of

Opposites: behind

Common phrases: ahead of someone, ahead of something, ahead of us

Before an event happens, often while preparing for it.

• She rested ahead of the race.
• Security increased ahead of the president's visit.
• They met twice ahead of the final talks.

How to use it: ahead of an event (We checked the equipment ahead of the concert.)

Similar words: before, in advance of

Opposites: after

Common phrases: ahead of something, ahead of elections, ahead of talks, ahead of someone

Waiting for someone in their future.

• You have a busy day ahead of you.
• A long journey lay ahead of us.
• There are exciting years ahead of these young athletes.

How to use it: have something ahead of someone (We have a difficult week ahead of us.); something lies ahead of someone (Many opportunities lie ahead of her.)

Similar words: in store for

Common phrases: ahead of someone, ahead of us, ahead of you

Having done more, learned more, or reached a better position than someone or something.

• Our team is ahead of theirs.
• She is far ahead of me in maths.
• The company moved ahead of its rivals in sales.

How to use it: ahead of someone/something in something (She is ahead of her classmates in reading.)

Similar words: in advance of

Opposites: behind

Common phrases: ahead of someone, ahead of competitors, ahead of something