Meaning & use
being a trailblazer
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
The act or state of being a pioneer who opens a new path for others to follow.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase; often the subject or object of a sentence.
Patterns
- being a trailblazer in something
- being a trailblazer for someone
Being a trailblazer in the tech industry means you often face criticism before you gain respect.
She talked about being a trailblazer for women in science at the conference.
Being a trailblazer isn't easy, but it can lead to lasting change.
Common combinations
- being a trailblazer in
- He is known for being a trailblazer in renewable energy.
- being a trailblazer for
- Her work was important in being a trailblazer for equal rights.
- the challenge of being a trailblazer
- The challenge of being a trailblazer is that you often work alone.
Synonyms and how they differ
- pioneering
- Focuses on the act of being first; 'being a trailblazer' emphasizes the person's role as a leader.
- groundbreaking
- Describes something new and innovative; 'being a trailblazer' refers to a person's ongoing state.
Opposites
Word family
- trailblazer noun
- A person who is a pioneer.
- trailblazing adjective
- Describing new and pioneering work.
Commonly confused: being a trailblazer or trailblazing?
being a trailblazer vs trailblazing
As a noun, 'trailblazing' refers to the activity; 'being a trailblazer' focuses on the person's identity.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'being a trailblazer' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 correctly uses the phrase to describe a pioneer in a field. Option 1 is wrong because 'being a trailblazer' is not used for simply running a race; it implies leading the way for others. Option 2 is grammatically possible but less natural; the phrase is usually singular. Option 3 contradicts the meaning of 'trailblazer'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “being a trailblazer”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.