a promising lead

USAGE SUMMARY

'a promising lead' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a promising new possibility in any kind of situation. For example, "We just received a promising lead that could help us solve the murder case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A promising lead turned false.

The New York Times

Was he a promising lead, or too risky?

The New Yorker

But they have turned up a promising lead.

The Economist

"It's a promising lead for a disease that has had very few promising leads".

The New York Times - Health

Chinese scientists told Dr. Stöhr they had developed a promising lead for an early test.

The New York Times - Science

Restivo also learned that Volpe had abandoned a promising lead in order to focus on him.

The New Yorker

She goes in hope, and in search of a promising lead, leaving those damned billboards behind.

The New Yorker

Andrea chases a promising lead on a hotel lobby with air-conditioning.

The New Yorker

The moment this imagery was discovered it was passed on to AMSA and that it was "a promising lead".

The Guardian

The broker put Mr. Kuhn in touch with Monument Bank, of Doylestown, Pa., which seemed a promising lead.

The New York Times

The possible sighting was believed to be "a promising lead," according to Air Commodore John McGarry, who was also at the press conference on Thursday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a promising lead", ensure the context clearly indicates what the lead pertains to. Specify the area or problem the lead is related to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the certainty of success when describing "a promising lead". While it suggests potential, it doesn't guarantee a positive outcome. Use qualifiers like 'potentially' or 'could' to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a promising lead" functions as a noun phrase, where 'promising' modifies the noun 'lead'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating something that offers hope or potential for progress. As Ludwig AI states, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a promising lead" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media and Science, to indicate an avenue with potential for positive outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the subject of the lead and avoid exaggerating its certainty. Consider alternatives such as "a hopeful prospect" or "a potential breakthrough" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hopeful prospect

Emphasizes the element of hope and positive expectation associated with the lead.

a potential breakthrough

Highlights the possibility of a significant advancement or discovery.

a good opportunity

Focuses on the advantageous nature of the lead.

a prospective solution

Implies that the lead might offer a way to resolve a problem or challenge.

a positive indicator

Underscores that the lead serves as a sign of progress or improvement.

a favorable sign

Similar to a positive indicator, but emphasizes the auspicious nature of the lead.

a notable development

Highlights the significance and newsworthiness of the lead.

a worthwhile avenue

Suggests that the lead is worth pursuing or exploring further.

a fruitful direction

Implies that following the lead is likely to produce positive results.

a viable option

Focuses on the feasibility and practicality of the lead.

FAQs

How can I use "a promising lead" in a sentence?

You can use "a promising lead" to describe a new piece of information or a discovery that suggests a potential solution or advancement. For example, "The detective followed "a promising lead" in the investigation".

What can I say instead of "a promising lead"?

You can use alternatives like "a hopeful prospect", "a potential breakthrough", or "a good opportunity" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a promising lead" in formal writing?

Yes, "a promising lead" is suitable for formal writing, especially in reports, articles, and academic papers. Its usage is well-established in both news and scientific contexts.

What's the difference between "a promising lead" and "a potential solution"?

"A promising lead" refers to an initial clue or piece of information that suggests a possible direction. "A potential solution" implies something more developed that directly addresses a problem. A lead may eventually lead to a potential solution.