verb · formal

lead

/liːd/LEAD

Band 6-7speakingtask2

to guide or to cause something to happen; to result in

Examples

Poor planning led to delays across the whole project.

She was chosen to lead the research team.

His behaviour led many people to question his motives.

Band 8 sentence

Her research led to a breakthrough in renewable energy storage.

Collocations

  • lead to
  • lead a team
  • take the lead
  • lead by example

Word family

lead verb (base)leads verb (3rd sg)leading verb (gerund/participle)led verb (past simple)led verb (past participle)

Common mistakes

The decision leaded to a protest.The decision led to a protest.

She will leaded the project next year.She will lead the project next year.

Say it for a higher band

5cause6result in7+lead

Synonyms

cause

guide

Easily confused

cause

High demand led to higher prices.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Irregular forms

Learn it with its set