that lead vs that led

Both "that lead" and "that led" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "That lead" is present tense, while "that led" is past tense. The choice between the two depends on the timeframe you are referring to.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 637 views

This phrase is correct when referring to something that is currently leading or guiding.

"that lead"

Use "that lead" when you are talking about something that is currently leading or guiding in the present tense.

Examples:

The path that lead to the waterfall is beautiful.
The ideas that lead the team to success were innovative.
The principles that lead our decision-making process are integrity and honesty.
The values that lead our company are teamwork and excellence.
The factors that lead to a healthy lifestyle include exercise and a balanced diet.

Show examples from the web [+]

The ones that lead up to the main room.
Outside that door is two miles of woods that lead to a highway right into town.
Performance audit provides audited entities with information and solutions that lead to cost reduction, better management and improved results.
It is important to clarify the different routes that lead to harmonised technical specifications and CE marking.
Got directional drag marks that lead up to the catwalk.
Consumer protection can eradicate undesirable practices and prevent the accumulation of imbalances that lead to major conflicts.
The role of the Council should be duly limited, in procedures that lead to potential sanctions.
I'm studying one-celled organisms to try and find the neurochemicals that lead to the feeling of shame.
Your rapporteur feels that such concerns are best served by addressing the root causes that lead to terrorism and illegal migration, particularly by concentrating efforts on poverty eradication.
The cement factory has tunnels that lead to the next town over...
And I'm loving these pin tucks that lead you through to this jaunty bow, making this a beautiful shoe.
But... there are still a lot of facts that lead to Bo.
There are roads that lead to error and lead to different ends.
The ones that lead down to the subbasement?
From where I'm sitting, There are just too many threads that lead back to you.
These discoveries that lead to sudden realizations;
This means that the biases that lead investors to do badly, that lead to the foreclosure crisis are going to be really hard to overcome.
Looks like you were right about that lead.
I think we should follow that lead.
Sounds that fade away... tracks that lead nowhere.

Alternatives:

that guides
that directs
that shows the way

This phrase is correct when referring to something that has already led or guided in the past.

"that led"

Use "that led" when you are talking about something that has already led or guided in the past tense.

Examples:

The decisions that led to the company's downfall were made years ago.
The actions that led to the conflict were regrettable.
The strategies that led to success were carefully planned.
The events that led to the discovery of the new species were unexpected.
The circumstances that led to the accident were unclear.

Show examples from the web [+]

Something happened that led to the death of Siggy.
And now you just convinced the police to reopen the case that led to Jimmy being arrested for murder.
It's about the moments that led up to them.
You gave the police information that led to his conviction.
When they separated, they made choices that led to very divergent paths for their sets of rules.
The events that led the previous Commission to step down must never happen again.
Experience that led to a mutiny.
That's the kind of thinking that led to Abu Ghraib.
But, there were numerous factors that led to our breakup.
- that led to the airing of Genoa...
He inspired, the powerful social movement that led to the fall of Communism.
The factors that led to the Council's decision are clear.
- that led to the killing.
Glad to hear it, because I wrote the piece on workplace harassment that led to the resignation of three congressmen.
I'll be representing her in the investigation into the incident at Senator Sterling's home that led to his hospitalization.
Potential that led him to another sport.
Until those handles opened a door that led me to a healthy lifestyle.
The anonymous call that led to the Stark weapons...
He suffers from major depression that led to chronic insomnia.
Stephanie Banks got us the Intel that led us to Belenko.

Alternatives:

that guided
that directed
that showed the way

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that lead vs that led

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