Word Usage
Mary W. Ng
June 26, 2009
a head start, ahead start
A head start is a noun meaning “an advantage someone has over other people in the same situation”. Ahead is an adverb meaning “in front”; ahead cannot modify a noun.
| Incorrect: | I am trying to have ahead start on my Christmas shopping. |
| Correct: | I am trying to have a head start on my Christmas shopping. |