What are the definitions of “get ahead of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move in front of.
I work at home in the evening to GET AHEAD OF schedule.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get ahead of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get ahead of is to move in front of something or someone, often in terms of progress or competition. It can be used to describe completing tasks before a deadline, surpassing others in a race, or gaining an advantage in a competitive situation.
What are the different verb forms of “get ahead of”?
| Root Verb | get ahead of |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets ahead of |
| Present Participle | getting ahead of |
| Simple Past | got ahead of |
| Past Participle | gotten ahead of |
Example
She tries to get ahead of her work to have more free time on weekends.
Example
He gets ahead of his classmates by studying extra hours.
Example
They are getting ahead of the competition by offering better prices.
Example
Last year, our team got ahead of the others in sales.
Example
She had gotten ahead of her work, so she took a day off.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get ahead of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“get ahead of” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She got ahead of her work by finishing tasks early.
Example
He got ahead of the competition by offering better services.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“get ahead of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She got ahead of her work by finishing tasks early.
Example
He got ahead of the competition by offering better services.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get ahead of”?
Good things to know
Does “get ahead of” have an informal or formal tone?
Get ahead of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings, depending on the specific context.
