a leading

USAGE SUMMARY

"a leading" is a grammatically correct and commonly used part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used as an adjective phrase to describe something or someone that holds a top or prominent position in a particular field or industry. Example: "The company is known for its innovative products and a leading position in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a leading question.

The Guardian - Arts

A leading economic index declines.

The New York Times

A leading politician condemned "alien cultures".

The New York Times

Lake Balaton is a leading resort area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A leading academic also faces charges.

Independent

So said a leading article on Thursday.

Independent

Bananas later became a leading crop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A leading team official then abruptly quit.

The New York Times - Sports

Or is this a leading question?

The New Yorker

Many Kenyans considered him a leading contender.

The New York Times

A leading forecaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a leading" to clearly indicate the foremost or most important entity in a particular field or context. This helps to establish credibility and highlight significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a leading" with nouns that don't typically denote prominence or importance. For example, instead of "a leading student", consider "a top student" or "an outstanding student" if the context is academic performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leading" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate prominence, dominance, or a top position. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction. Examples include "a leading expert", "a leading cause", and "a leading role".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

18%

Forbes

10%

Less common in

Huffington Post

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a leading" is a versatile adjective phrase used to denote prominence, importance, or superiority. As Ludwig AI verifies, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and business contexts. While "a leading" conveys importance, it is crucial to use it with nouns that genuinely reflect significance to avoid weakening the statement. Alternatives such as "a prominent" or "a foremost" can be considered for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prominent

Focuses on the visibility and recognition of something.

a foremost

Emphasizes being at the front or head of something.

a principal

Highlights the primary or most important aspect.

a dominant

Suggests control or influence over others.

a guiding

Implies direction or leadership.

a top

Indicates the highest rank or position.

a major

Suggests significant size or importance.

a superior

Highlights a higher quality or standard.

an influential

Emphasizes the power to affect others.

a preeminent

Stresses a superior rank or reputation.

FAQs

How to use "a leading" in a sentence?

Use "a leading" to describe someone or something that is the most important, successful, or advanced of its type. For example, "She is "a leading expert" in her field" or "This is "a leading cause" of concern".

What can I say instead of "a leading"?

You can use alternatives like "a prominent", "a foremost", or "a principal" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a leading"?

It is appropriate to use "a leading" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is at the forefront of their field or is the most important example of its kind. For instance, "a leading company" or "a leading figure".

What's the difference between "a leading" and "a prominent"?

"A leading" suggests being at the forefront or most successful, while "a prominent" indicates being well-known and important. "A leading expert" suggests expertise at the highest level, whereas "a prominent expert" suggests someone widely recognized.