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."
inseparable
keep ahead
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To maintain a lead or advantage over a competitor or to remain in advance of something.
In plain English
To stay in front of others or to not fall behind.
What does "keep ahead" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain physically in front of something or someone.
Actually means
To stay in front of others or to not fall behind.
Usage tip
Often followed by 'of' (keep ahead of the competition). Used in business, sports, academic, and general contexts. Emphasizes sustained effort to maintain an advantage.
Words that pair with "keep ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competition rivals curve game trends field
How to conjugate "keep ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "keep ahead" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep ahead"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
keep in front maintain a lead outpace remain ahead stay ahead stay on top
Keep exploring
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