keep ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To stay in front of others or to not fall behind.
Literal meaning: To remain physically in front of something or someone.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To maintain a leading position over competitors or rivals.
"The company invests heavily in research to keep ahead of its competitors in the market."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral
To progress faster than something approaching or following, such as a deadline or a problem.
"We need to work quickly to keep ahead of the schedule, otherwise the whole project will be delayed."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often followed by 'of' (keep ahead of the competition). Used in business, sports, academic, and general contexts. Emphasizes sustained effort to maintain an advantage.
Commonly used with
competition rivals curve game trends field
Forms
Base
keep ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
kept ahead
yesterday
Past participle
kept ahead
have + pp
-ing form
keeping ahead
continuous
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Synonyms
stay ahead maintain a lead keep in front remain ahead outpace stay on top
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