Led vs Lead
What’s the difference between them?
Led
Meaning:
the past tense of 'lead'; guided, directed, or commanded in the past.
Examples:
1. Led by their professor, the class ventured into the woods.
2. She led the horse around the paddock.
3. The moonlight led them through the darkness.
Lead
Meaning:
to guide or direct; to be in charge or comman
Examples:
1. The teacher took the lead and the students followed.
2. He can lead the way across the unfamiliar terrain.
3. She was chosen to lead the team.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Led
1. Guided
2. Directed
3. Piloted
4. Maneuvered
5. Steered
1. Followed
2. Outpaced
3. Stood still
4. Lagged behind
5. Adjourned
Lead
1. Guide
2. Direct
3. Pilot
4. Steer
5. Shepherd
1. Follow
2. Subordinate
3. Comply
4. Yield
5. Obey
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Led", "Lead".
1. 'Led' is the past tense of the verb 'to lead' and is spelled without 'a.'
2. 'Lead' is the present tense of the verb and is spelled with 'a.'
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the word 'led' be used?
Led is typically used as a past tense verb, meaning to have guided someone or something. For example, 'The teacher led the class through a challenging math problem.' It can also be used as an adjective, such as in 'led lights' or 'a led display'.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'lead'?
Lead is usually used as a noun, meaning a metal with a low melting point or the foremost position in a competition. For example, 'The race was won by the runner in the lead'. Lead can also be used as a verb, meaning to guide or direct someone or something, or to be in charge of. For example, 'The teacher leads the class in math'.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, led is pronounced as /led/, while lead is pronounced as /li:d/
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is to confuse the verb form of 'lead' with the verb form of 'led'. To help remember the difference, remember that the past tense of 'lead' is 'led'. Another common mistake is to use 'lead' as an adjective, which is incorrect. The correct adjective form is 'led'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The teacher always ____s his students by example.
2. His extraordinary vision ____s the team to success.
3. If you want to ____ the pack, you need to think differently.
4. The research ____s to the conclusion that the project is feasible.
5. The team was ____ed by the captain through the challenging terrain.
6. The candidate ____s the rest of the field in experience.
1. The teacher always leads his students by example.
Explanation: The verb lead means to guide, direct, or take the initiative in an activity. In this case, the teacher is guiding his students by setting a positive example for them to follow.
2. His extraordinary vision leads the team to success.
Explanation: The verb lead in this sentence means to guide or direct. The teacher’s extraordinary vision is guiding the team to success.
3. If you want to lead the pack, you need to think differently.
Explanation: The verb lead here means to take the lead or be the leader. To lead the pack, one must be innovative and think differently from others.
4. The research leads to the conclusion that the project is feasible.
Explanation: The verb lead in this sentence means to indicate or point towards. The research is indicating that the project is feasible by leading to the conclusion that it is possible.
5. The team was led by the captain through the challenging terrain.
Explanation: The verb led in this sentence means to guide or direct. The captain is guiding the team through the challenging terrain.
6. The candidate leads the rest of the field in experience.
Explanation: The verb lead in this sentence means to be ahead or ahead of the pack. The candidate is ahead of the rest of the field in experience.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.