front
/frʌnt/ (bre, ipa) · [frˈʌnt] /frʌnt/ (ame, ipa) · [frˈʌnt] /ˈfrənt/ (ame, mw)
front — verb
- frontpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fronts3rd person singular
- fronting-ing form
- frontedpast simple
1. When a building, room, or piece of land has its main side looking toward a parti
When a building, room, or piece of land has its main side looking toward a particular direction, street, or natural feature.
The hotel fronts onto a small square where musicians often perform.
intransitive pattern: front onto [place]
Harper's new apartment fronts the river, giving her a clear view of the boats.
transitive: front + [place] directly
The old library fronts east, so the reading room gets warm morning light.
Several apartment blocks now front the beach along the rebuilt coastal road.
The warehouse fronts a narrow street lined with fruit and vegetable stalls.
- face
More common in everyday speech; 'front' is slightly more formal and often used in property descriptions
- look out over
Emphasises the view rather than the orientation; used when describing what can be seen
- overlook
Suggests being above the object, not at the same level
- back onto
Describes the rear side facing something instead of the front
文法句型
front + noun phrase (place)
front + onto + noun phrase
用法筆記
When used intransitively, almost always paired with 'onto' to indicate the direction the building faces. The transitive form can take a place, a body of water, or a compass direction as its object.
常見錯誤
2. To occupy the space immediately before a building, area, or structure — for exam
To occupy the space immediately before a building, area, or structure — for example, a garden, wall, or row of trees placed at the front of a property.
A low stone wall fronts the garden on the side nearest the road.
subject = inanimate feature + fronts + building/land
The entrance to the museum is fronted by two large marble pillars.
passive: be fronted by [feature]
A row of tall palm trees fronts the hotel along the seafront.
Rania's house is fronted by a neatly trimmed hedge and a wooden gate.
- stand before
More literary and less common in everyday descriptions
- line
Used for multiple objects arranged along the front, but less specific about the front-back relationship
文法句型
something + fronts + something
用法筆記
The subject is typically a stationary object or feature, not a person. The passive form 'be fronted by' is common when describing the arrangement of a property's external features.
常見錯誤
3. To apply a decorative or protective material such as stone, wood, tiles, or glas
To apply a decorative or protective material such as stone, wood, tiles, or glass across the front-facing side of a structure, cabinet, or similar object.
The fireplace is fronted with hand-painted ceramic tiles from Portugal.
passive: be fronted with [material]
The bank's main facade was fronted with polished slabs of grey granite.
Mauricio fronted the cabinet with dark oak wood carved by local craftsmen.
The shop counter is fronted with a thick sheet of reinforced glass.
文法句型
be fronted with + material
front + noun + with + material
用法筆記
Overwhelmingly used in the passive voice ('be fronted with'). The active form (person fronts object with material) is quite rare and very formal. The material noun is almost always preceded by 'with', not 'by'.
常見錯誤
4. To act as the main leader, public representative, or most recognisable member of
To act as the main leader, public representative, or most recognisable member of an organisation, political campaign, or musical group.
Professor Chen fronts a research team studying the effects of ocean pollution.
front + [research team / organisation]
Amira fronts a small charity that provides meals for homeless families.
Felix was chosen to front the new community arts centre in Brighton.
The guitarist who fronts the band also writes most of their original songs.
A well-known environmental lawyer fronts the campaign against plastic waste.
- follow
Being a member rather than the leader
文法句型
front + noun phrase (group/organisation/band)
用法筆記
Often used for musical bands and cultural organisations, but also for companies, charities, and political campaigns. It emphasises public visibility and leadership, not necessarily day-to-day management.
常見錯誤
5. To act as the principal presenter or featured personality of a television progra
To act as the principal presenter or featured personality of a television programme, radio broadcast, or advertising campaign.
Dahlia fronts a popular cooking show that airs every Saturday evening.
front + [TV programme]
A well-known comedian was asked to front the new late-night talk show.
Élise has fronted the morning radio programme on BBC local for six years.
Alessia will front the advertising campaign for the new sports car launch.
文法句型
front + noun phrase (TV show / radio programme / ad campaign)
用法筆記
Predominantly British English; in American English 'host' is far more common for television and radio roles. Used across all media formats: TV series, individual programmes, radio slots, and commercial campaigns.
常見錯誤
6. To provide the money needed for a project, purchase, or event in advance, often
To provide the money needed for a project, purchase, or event in advance, often as a loan or initial payment before other funds become available.
An anonymous donor fronted the money for the school's new library building.
front + [sum of money] + for [purpose]
The local council fronted the cost of repairing the flood-damaged bridge.
Lakshmi fronted her brother the deposit for his first flat last month.
The production company fronted the funds needed for the film's final scene.
Wei offered to front the initial payment so the project could start on time.
文法句型
front + money/noun phrase
front + someone + money
用法筆記
Common in British informal contexts; implies advancing money before it is due, often with the expectation of being repaid. Can take a direct object for the person ('fronted her the money') as well as the money itself.
常見錯誤
7. When writing or speaking, to place a particular word or phrase at or very near t
When writing or speaking, to place a particular word or phrase at or very near the start of a sentence, especially to draw attention to it or create a special stylistic effect.
In her linguistics paper, Tariro fronted the adverb 'seldom' to emphasize its negative meaning.
front + adverb for emphasis
The editor suggested that the author front the most important word for dramatic impact.
When Jessica fronted the object in her sentence, the meaning became much clearer.
Teachers often show students how to front phrases like 'not until later' in formal essays.
Eliska fronted the time phrase in her speech to signal when the story took place.
- postpose
to place a word or phrase at the end of a sentence instead of the beginning
文法句型
front + noun phrase (the object, adverb, phrase being moved)
用法筆記
Distinguish from verb sense 4 (LEAD) where the object is an organization or band. Here the object is always a linguistic element — a word, phrase, or clause. This sense is most common in grammar textbooks, linguistics papers, and advanced writing instruction.
常見錯誤
8. In phonetics, to make a speech sound with the body of the tongue placed nearer t
In phonetics, to make a speech sound with the body of the tongue placed nearer to the front of the mouth than is usual for that sound, changing its quality.
The choir instructor asked Amelia to front the 'ee' sound for a sharper tone.
front + vowel sound
In some regional accents, speakers front the 'oo' sound in 'moon' noticeably.
Sahil practiced fronting the 'k' sound until his pronunciation matched the local speakers.
When a vowel is fronted, the tongue moves closer to the front teeth.
文法句型
front + sound / vowel / consonant
用法筆記
This sense is almost exclusively used by phoneticians, dialectologists, language teachers, and speech therapists. It does not appear in everyday conversation. The opposite process is called backing or retraction.
9. In basketball, to stand between an opponent carrying the ball and a teammate of
In basketball, to stand between an opponent carrying the ball and a teammate of that opponent to block a pass, instead of staying between the opponent and the basket.
The coach told Owen to front the tall center and stop the easy pass.
front + opposing player in basketball defense
Hamza fronted the opposing forward so well that the pass never reached him.
In a tight game, defenders often front the strongest scorer to force bad passes.
The point guard tried to front the shooter, but the ball sailed over his head.
Caio's coach praised him for fronting the opponent and intercepting the key pass.
- play behind
to guard an opponent from the basket side rather than between them and the ball
文法句型
front + opposing player
用法筆記
Only used in basketball. The opposite defensive strategy is to play behind the opponent, staying between them and the basket (often called 'denying the post' or 'playing behind').
常見錯誤
front — noun
- frontsingular
- frontsplural
1. the front-facing side of a structure, object, or human form — the side people no
the front-facing side of a structure, object, or human form — the side people normally see first, for instance the entrance side of a house or the chest-and-face side of a person.
The front of the shop has large glass windows so customers can see the products inside.
collocation: the front of [building/structure]
Romi spilled some juice on the front of her shirt during lunch.
A large stone lion sat on each side of the front of the museum.
Tunde turned so that the front of his body faced the morning sun.
The children sat on the front steps of the house, waiting for the ice-cream truck.
文法句型
the front of [noun]
用法筆記
Often used with 'the' and followed by 'of' to specify which object or body part is being described.
常見錯誤
2. the forward section of a car, bus, train, or similar vehicle, where the driver t
the forward section of a car, bus, train, or similar vehicle, where the driver typically sits and which faces the direction of travel.
The front of the bus was damaged in the collision, but nobody was hurt.
collocation: the front of [vehicle]
Megan always sits near the front of the train so she can get off quickly.
A bird flew into the front of the car and left a small crack on the windshield.
The driver checked the front of the truck before starting the long journey.
Dario polished the front of his motorcycle until the metal shone like a mirror.
- nose
informal term for the front of an aircraft or vehicle
文法句型
the front of [vehicle]
3. the printed side of a book, magazine, or newspaper that you see when it is place
the printed side of a book, magazine, or newspaper that you see when it is placed on a shelf, typically showing the title, the author's name, and an image.
The front of the magazine showed a photo of the actress at the film festival.
collocation: the front of [publication]
Kasia found her friend's name on the front of the local newspaper.
The front of the textbook had a picture of the solar system on it.
Nia wrote her name on the front of the notebook in blue ink.
A bold headline on the front of the paper announced the election results.
- cover
more general term; can refer to the front or back of a publication
- front page
specifically the first page of a newspaper, not the outer cover
- back
the rear cover of a book or magazine
文法句型
the front of [book/newspaper/magazine]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 4 ('front of a book' can refer to the cover OR the early pages — context determines which is meant).
4. the pages at the beginning of a book, before the main content starts, which may
the pages at the beginning of a book, before the main content starts, which may include the title page, table of contents, preface, or introduction.
The front of the novel contains a map of the imaginary kingdom where the story takes place.
the front of [book] = early pages
Arjun checked the front of the textbook for the list of chapters.
Ignacio skipped the front of the book and started reading from chapter one.
The front of the cookbook includes a short note from the chef about her cooking style.
A dedication to her parents appeared in the front of the poetry collection.
- preliminary pages
formal publishing term for front matter; less common in everyday English
- back matter
the pages at the end of a book, such as the index, appendix, or bibliography
文法句型
the front of [book]
用法筆記
Often confused with sense 3 (the cover). This sense refers to the inside pages at the start, not the outer surface.
常見錯誤
5. a position that is further forward and ahead of another person, group, or thing,
a position that is further forward and ahead of another person, group, or thing, often used to describe who or what is leading.
Roya stood at the front of the queue, so she was the first to enter the hall.
at the front of the queue / line
The children walked in a line with the tallest boy at the front.
Adina pushed her way to the front of the crowd to see the singer.
The teacher asked the students at the front to open the classroom window.
Jisoo kept her backpack at the front of the shelf so she could grab it easily.
- back
the rear position in a group or space
文法句型
in front
at the front
in front of
用法筆記
Often used with prepositions 'at' or 'to' to indicate position. 'In front of' (preposition) describes relative location; 'at the front' describes a position within a group or space.
常見錯誤
6. the position of being ahead of all competitors in a race, game, or contest, with
the position of being ahead of all competitors in a race, game, or contest, with the highest score or fastest time.
The runner from Kenya was in front for most of the marathon.
in front = leading in a race
Élise moved into front position after scoring three goals in the second half.
The blue team stayed in front throughout the final match.
Ayana fought hard to keep her horse in front until the finish line.
With only ten points separating the teams, no one could predict who would finish in front.
- lead
used as a noun: 'to take the lead' means to move into first place
- first place
explicitly states the top position in a competition
- last place
the lowest position in a competition
文法句型
in front
in the front
用法筆記
Primarily used in sports reporting and competition contexts. 'In front' is idiomatic — it does not require a determiner before 'front'.
常見錯誤
7. the space located just ahead of a person or thing, or the section of a building
the space located just ahead of a person or thing, or the section of a building closest to its main entrance.
A long queue of people stood in front of the ticket office before sunrise.
in front of — describing position ahead of a place
The teacher asked Noor to come to the front of the classroom and write the answer on the board.
come to the front of — movement toward a front position
Yuki always sits in the front row during lectures so she can read every slide.
A small rose garden sat at the front of the old house, near the gate.
8. the area in which another person can watch you or listen to you, particularly wh
the area in which another person can watch you or listen to you, particularly when you are standing opposite them.
Minh felt nervous speaking in front of a large audience for the first time.
in front of + audience — being watched or heard by a group
The children stopped arguing when their grandmother appeared in front of them.
Élise never eats meat in front of her vegetarian friends out of respect.
The lawyer presented the evidence in front of the jury in a calm voice.
- before
more formal, used in legal or literary contexts
常見錯誤
9. money that is paid before goods are delivered or a service is performed, often a
money that is paid before goods are delivered or a service is performed, often as a condition of starting the work.
The landlord asked the tenants to pay three months' rent up front before moving in.
up front — payment made before receiving a service
Noor paid the photographer up front so the wedding pictures would be guaranteed.
The training centre requires an up-front fee of two hundred dollars for the course materials.
Mauricio offered to pay half the cost up front and the rest later.
- payment on delivery
money paid after goods or services are received
用法筆記
Always used in the fixed phrase 'up front' or the compound adjective 'up-front'. Cannot be used alone as a bare noun ('*I paid front').
常見錯誤
10. a particular field or aspect of activity, especially one where people are trying
a particular field or aspect of activity, especially one where people are trying to make progress or achieve something.
Dr. Imani Okonkwo has made important discoveries on several fronts in cancer research.
on several fronts — across multiple areas of work
The company is trying to improve on all fronts — quality, price, and customer service.
Progress on the environmental front has been slow but steady this year.
Arjun decided to try something new on the creative front and started painting classes.
用法筆記
Typically used in the pattern 'on the [adjective] front' or 'on [number] fronts' to describe different aspects of a broad effort.
11. someone or something that serves as a cover to keep unlawful activities or priva
someone or something that serves as a cover to keep unlawful activities or private matters hidden, typically intended to trick other people.
The charity was just a front for a money-laundering operation run by criminals.
a front for — an entity used to hide illegal activity
Rachel's cheerful attitude was a front to hide how lonely she felt after the move.
The travel agency was a front for a visa scheme that cheated hundreds of people.
Beatrix put on a brave front after losing her job, though she worried about money.
- truth
what is real or genuine as opposed to the false appearance
用法筆記
Often appears in the pattern 'a front for [something]' to indicate what is being hidden. Also used in fixed expressions like 'put on a brave front' or 'put up a front'.
常見錯誤
12. behaviour that deliberately does not show your genuine feelings, because you wan
behaviour that deliberately does not show your genuine feelings, because you want to keep those emotions private from others.
Gita put on a confident front during the interview, even though her hands were shaking.
put on a confident front — acting differently from true feelings
The team put up a united front despite private disagreements about the new plan.
put up a united front — showing agreement publicly
Mathieu kept up a calm front for his children, hiding how scared he felt.
Eitan's loud complaints were a front for the hurt he felt after the argument.
- honesty
behaviour that reflects genuine feelings
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 11: sense 11 refers to a deceptive entity (a person or organization used as a cover), while sense 12 refers specifically to the act of behaving differently from one's real feelings in a social situation.
常見錯誤
13. the land beside a sea, lake, or river, especially the area in a town where there
the land beside a sea, lake, or river, especially the area in a town where there is a path or road for walking and relaxing near the water
Every Sunday, Apinya walked along the lake front and watched the sailboats.
collocation: lake front / sea front / river front
The sea front of Brighton has shops that sell fish and chips and beach toys.
After the storm, the river front was covered with sand and broken branches.
A wooden path was built along the sea front between the port and the lighthouse.
- waterfront
broader term that includes docks, industrial areas, and commercial zones by the water
- promenade
a paved walkway along the water, not the whole area
- inland
the area away from the water, further from the coast or shore
文法句型
the [body of water] front
the front
用法筆記
Common in descriptions of tourist areas or public spaces built alongside a body of water. Often combines with a body-of-water name before 'front': 'sea front', 'lake front', 'river front'.
常見錯誤
14. the line where two large masses of air at different temperatures meet, often cau
the line where two large masses of air at different temperatures meet, often causing changes such as rain, wind, or a drop in temperature
A cold front moved in from the north and dropped temperatures by ten degrees overnight.
collocation: cold front / warm front
The weather report said a warm front would bring rain by Friday evening.
Meteorologists tracked the front as it moved east across the island toward the coast.
When the cold front met warm air over the valley, thick fog covered the roads.
- air-mass boundary
the more precise scientific term
- weather boundary
a less technical synonym
文法句型
[adjective] front
the front
用法筆記
Technical term in weather forecasting. Almost always paired with an adjective such as 'cold', 'warm', 'stationary', or 'occluded'. Unlike other senses of 'front', this one refers to an invisible atmospheric boundary, not a physical place.
15. the area where opposing military forces fight each other during a war
the area where opposing military forces fight each other during a war
The general sent troops to the front after the enemy broke through the first line.
collocation: the front / at the front / behind the front
During the war, reporters risked their lives to send news from the front.
Medical teams set up emergency tents just behind the front to treat wounded soldiers.
For weeks the front did not move, and both armies waited in their muddy positions.
- battlefield
a specific location where a battle takes place, not the entire moving line of contact
- front line
the forward-most position where soldiers face the enemy directly
- rear
the area behind the fighting where supplies, headquarters, and support services are located
文法句型
the front
at the front
behind the front
the [adjective] front
用法筆記
Often used with the definite article 'the'. Can be modified by a direction or place name ('the eastern front', 'the western front'). Also used figuratively in non-military contexts ('the front lines of the fight against poverty').
常見錯誤
16. people and organizations that unite around shared political objectives and work
people and organizations that unite around shared political objectives and work together publicly to bring about change
The National Liberation Front worked to win support from farmers and factory workers.
collocation: the [Name] Front; a united front
Several opposition parties formed a united front to push for fairer elections.
The Environmental Action Front organized a large protest outside the government building.
Members of the front met in secret to plan their next public campaign.
文法句型
the [Name] Front
a united front
form a front
用法筆記
Often appears as part of an organization's official name, in which case the word is capitalized ('the Popular Front'). When used generically ('a united front'), it describes a temporary alliance rather than a permanent group.
常見錯誤
front — adjective
- frontpositive
- frontercomparative
- frontestsuperlative
1. located at or nearest to the forward part of something, such as a building, vehi
located at or nearest to the forward part of something, such as a building, vehicle, or stage.
Tuan chose a seat in the front row to see the board clearly.
attributive: front + row (position before noun)
The museum's front entrance was closed for repairs last Tuesday.
Sora carefully placed the vase on the front shelf of the cabinet.
A brass plaque on the front gate welcomed visitors to the farm.
Yasmin wiped the dust off the front cover of the old photo album.
文法句型
front + noun (attributive)
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). You cannot say 'the seat is front' — instead use 'the seat is at the front' or 'it is a front seat.'
常見錯誤
front — abbreviation
1. an abbreviation used in book descriptions and library records for frontispiece —
an abbreviation used in book descriptions and library records for frontispiece — the illustration that appears on the page opposite a book's title page.
The catalog entry had 'front.' written in the notes section for the 1892 edition.
abbreviation in bibliographic notes
Caleb checked the abbreviation 'front.' in the bibliography of his textbook.
The rare book's description included 'front.' to indicate a decorative frontispiece.
In library records, 'front.' stands for the picture opposite the first page of text.
Hao found 'front.' abbreviated in the old book's bibliographic reference.
- frontispiece
the full word, not abbreviated — use in ordinary sentences, not in catalog entries
文法句型
front. + verb (appears / indicates / refers to)
用法筆記
Always followed by a period. This abbreviation appears most often in library catalogs, rare-book dealer listings, and academic bibliographies rather than in ordinary writing.