forward or ahead

[dilodi83]

It was won by Prince Borghese, who crossed the finishing line just a few metres.............(forward/ahead) of the only other car to complete the race.

Can I write both FORWARD and AHEAD? Does it sound good in both cases?

 

[billmcd]

It was won by Prince Borghese, who crossed the finishing line just a few metres.............(forward/ahead) of the only other car to complete the race.

Can I write both FORWARD and AHEAD? Does it sound good in both cases?

AmE: "ahead"

 

[dilodi83]

But FORWARD is grammatically incorrect? or is it just not used?

 

[SoothingDave]

Use "ahead." You finish ahead of someone. During the race you would be leading them. "Forward" is just not the right word to describe the position in a race.

Also, it's "finish line," at least in AmE.

 

[5jj]

Use "ahead." You finish ahead of someone. During the race you would be leading them. "Forward" is just not the right word to describe the position in a race.

Also, it's "finish line," at least in AmE.

It's 'finishing line' in BrE. I agree with you about 'forward' and 'ahead'.

 

[konungursvia]

Forward is a vector implying motion, whereas ahead can also be a one-dimensional point denoting a location.

 

[5jj]

Forward is a vector implying motion, whereas ahead can also be a one-dimensional point denoting a location.

For us naval types, forward can also denote a location, in the direction of the front of the vessel:

The galley is forward of the companionway,

(and the companionway is aft of the galley)

ps. Unless you are in the navy, or sail, the words are not commonly used in his way.