lead vs leading

Both 'lead' and 'leading' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Lead' is a present tense verb meaning to guide or direct, while 'leading' is an adjective describing something that is in the forefront or at the top.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 952 views

The word 'lead' is a present tense verb meaning to guide or direct.

"lead"

Use 'lead' when you want to indicate the action of guiding or directing someone or something.

Examples:

She will lead the team to victory.
He likes to lead by example.

Show examples from the web [+]

Globalization can lead performers to discard traditional instruments.
Those keys have to lead somewhere.
You allowed a clearly disturbed individual to lead your activities.
These act as guides to lead players towards their objective.
No man can better lead this army.
Miss Fanshawe will now lead assembly in nondenominational prayer.
And a little child shall lead them.
Children with spina bifida can lead relatively active lives.
Most lead long, productive lives.
Both options lead the user to WorldLingo's translation services.
Allowing a prospect to lead the sales process.
Adult tigers lead largely solitary lives.
This subject lead Socrates to commit suicide.
It lead him right to Deacon Farms.
That lead, no lead and lead sometimes.
They really lead impressive collections that lead the player to go on with the deal of sponsorship.
Leaders should be trained to lead, imparting a vision to those they lead.
You lead the animal on slightly.
The CI gave me a lead.
The Warsaw workers lead the construction of socialism.

Alternatives:

guide
direct
take charge
be in charge
show the way

'Leading' is an adjective describing something that is in the forefront or at the top.

"leading"

Use 'leading' when you want to describe something that is at the forefront or top position in a particular field or activity.

Examples:

She is the leading expert in the field.
The company is a leading provider of innovative solutions.

Show examples from the web [+]

The European Union is the leading campaigner against global famine.
And a key leading him to the Chamber of Immortality.
Meanwhile, keep our leading lady happy.
Now all we need is the leading lady.
My leading man was found dead this morning.
Anyway, we have to replace the leading lady and the leading man.
She's not leading them anywhere anymore.
You're my leading research scientist.
Agent Hoffman is leading an Inter-Agency Task Force.
Inside are stairs leading down to the working rooms.
Dutch companies are leading the world in urban planning.
Unfortunately, the leading federal government officials remain in denial.
Dam construction is a leading historical example.
TB is leading killer of people living with HIV/AIDS.
We need our most disgusting mutant leading the charge.
Moose is leading his first mission.
He headed up a leading arbitrage company.
Damon Salvatore is leading the council now.
He should be leading our troop.
The EU is leading the world.

Alternatives:

foremost
top
preeminent
dominant
pioneering

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

lead vs leading

"lead"

"leading"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text