To cause a particular event or situation to happen as a consequence.
"Poor communication often leads to misunderstandings between team members."
One thing always leads to another.
— Common English proverb; widely used in literature and speech
To cause or result in a particular outcome, or to take someone to a destination.
Make something happen as a result, or take you somewhere.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To cause a particular event or situation to happen as a consequence.
"Poor communication often leads to misunderstandings between team members."
One thing always leads to another.
— Common English proverb; widely used in literature and speech
To go or take someone to a particular place or destination.
"The path through the forest leads to a beautiful lake."
To lead (take or direct) someone/something to (a destination or outcome).
Make something happen as a result, or take you somewhere.
Extremely common in both spoken and written English across all registers. Used in causal explanations, directions, and logical arguments. Can refer to physical paths ('this road leads to the city') or abstract outcomes ('stress leads to health problems').
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "lead to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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