a true lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a genuine or significant lead, often in sales, marketing, or investigative scenarios. Example: "After reviewing the data, we believe that this contact is a true lead that could result in a successful partnership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

His voice is what sounds like a true lead guitar, stretching words and sounds into giant melodies, even when they are just in-between parts, embellishments or passing phrases.

The New York Times

This is a true lead.

TechCrunch

And Riley and I talked a lot over the years about how he watched Greg McAdoo [formerly of Sequoia Capital and now of the venture firm Bolt] work with Airbnb in the early days, and the importance of a true lead board member.

TechCrunch

A 0.005-point 0.005-point course, not realeada true lead at all.

Huffington Post

His teammates Andrew and Aaron Harrison are both 6-foot-5 and can really score; of the two, Andrew is a true lead guard and a bit further along.

Huffington Post

Its biological activity, superior stability in biological fluids as well as acceptable toxicity profile indicate that the peptidomimetic represents a true lead compound for pharmaceutical development to replace low adiponectin levels in cancer and other malignancies.

BMC Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's been awhile since the Braves had a true lead-off hitter (since Rafael Furcal, anyway).

The New York Times

"I don't think Dennis has gotten enough attention or the show's gotten enough attention for an African-American actor being the true lead of a TV show, a drama," said Mr. Ryan, who is an executive producer of the series.

The New York Times - Arts

The reason is that the different configurations the computer adopts at increasingly short intervals of time eventually (if the conjecture is true) lead to a paradox of the type of Thomson's lamp, where (if we do not assume continuity in the sense of section 3.2) the final state of the computer is indeterminate, which makes it useless for our purpose.

SEP

Don't say, hey, Obama may have a three-point lead, but that's within the margin of error; as Pollster points out, the odds that this is a true Obama lead are 99 percent.

The New York Times

In fact, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1993), the opposite would be true: Lead levels decrease as a building ages.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a true lead" when you want to emphasize the genuine and reliable nature of a piece of information, person, or compound that guides subsequent actions or decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "a true lead" in contexts where the intention is to refer to the element lead (Pb). Ensure clarity by using the appropriate term or rephrasing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true lead" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "true" modifies the noun "lead". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to identify a genuine or significant element that guides subsequent actions or decisions, aligning with examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a true lead" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies a genuine or reliable guiding element. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively uncommon, it is utilized across diverse contexts like news, science, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure you are highlighting the authenticity and reliability of the guiding factor, and be mindful of potential ambiguity with the element lead. Alternatives like "genuine leader" or "bona fide lead" may offer suitable variations, depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine leader

Replaces "true" with "genuine", emphasizing authenticity.

a real leader

Substitutes "true" with "real", stressing the tangible or concrete nature of the leadership.

a bona fide lead

Uses the Latin term "bona fide" for "true", adding a touch of formality.

an authentic lead

Emphasizes the unadulterated and trustworthy nature of the lead.

a legitimate lead

Highlights the validity and lawfulness of the lead.

a valid lead

Focuses on the correctness and well-founded nature of the lead.

a credible lead

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of the information.

a promising lead

Shifts the focus to the potential and future prospects of the lead.

a prime candidate

Changes the context slightly to emphasize suitability and selection.

a key indicator

Abstracts the phrase to indicate a significant pointer or signal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a true lead" to describe a piece of information or a person who is genuinely guiding or directing something, like "This contact is "a true lead" for our sales team".

What are some alternatives to "a true lead"?

Some alternatives include "genuine leader", "real leader", or "bona fide lead", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use the article 'a' before "true lead"?

In most cases, yes. The article 'a' is necessary when referring to a single instance of a true lead. However, if you're using it in a more abstract or general sense, it might be omitted, although this is less common.

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

"A true lead" suggests that the lead is already verified or reliable. "A promising lead", on the other hand, implies potential but not yet confirmed value.