"he was led to believe" vs "he had been led to believe"

Question

"he was led to believe" vs "he had been led to believe"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'He had been led to believe' is used when referring to a past event that influenced someone's beliefs or actions. 'He was led to believe' is used to describe a specific instance in the past when someone was misled or given false information.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a specific instance in the past when someone was misled or given false information.

Examples:

He was led to believe that the meeting was at 2 p.m., but it was actually at 3 p.m.
She was led to believe that the product was on sale, but it was a mistake.
They were led to believe that the event was free, but there was an entrance fee.

Alternatives:

He had been led to believe
He believed he was led
He thought he was led
He was under the impression that he was led
He had been given the impression that he was led

This phrase is used to indicate that at some point in the past, someone was influenced or convinced to believe something.

Examples:

He had been led to believe that the project was approved, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
She had been led to believe that the concert was canceled, so she didn't go.
They had been led to believe that the product was safe, but it was later recalled for defects.

Alternatives:

He was led to believe
He believed he had been led
He thought he had been led
He was under the impression that he had been led
He had been given the impression that he was led

Answer 1

he was led to believe

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

he had been led to believe

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"he was led to believe" vs "he had been led to believe"

he was led to believe

he had been led to believe

Related Comparisons