What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forerun
Example
The invention of the printing press foreran the spread of knowledge. [foreran: past tense]
Example
The athlete foreran the rest of the competitors in the race. [foreran: verb]
Example
The dark clouds foreran the storm that was about to hit. [foreran: past tense]
foreshadow
Example
The ominous music foreshadowed the upcoming danger in the movie. [foreshadowed: past tense]
Example
The author used foreshadowing to hint at the tragic ending of the story. [foreshadowing: gerund or present participle]
Example
The sudden drop in temperature foreshadowed the snowstorm that was coming. [foreshadowed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Foreshadow is more commonly used than forerun in everyday language and literature.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forerun and foreshadow?
Forerun is more formal than foreshadow, and is typically used in academic or technical writing.
