found a lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found a lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sales, investigations, or research when referring to discovering a potential opportunity or source of information. Example: "After weeks of searching, we finally found a lead that could help us close the deal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Three years ago, Sekar and McCarroll found a lead.

The New Yorker

Mr. Salpeter found a lead in a witness, Karlene Kovacs.

The New York Times

A city inspector found a lead hazard from the paint in Ashley's apartment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Have you found a lead-generation service that works for you?

The New York Times

"But one day, I found a Led Zeppelin IV cassette tape in the garage and it was just amazing-sounding music, not like anything I'd heard before.

The Guardian - Music

Now West had to find a lead.

The New York Times

DeMartino (West) had to find a lead against six diamonds.

The New York Times

They find a lead actor for their big DIY action flick when the French exchange group arrives.

The Guardian - Arts

Robbins, Geller, Rudman and Dowd now has until February to find a lead plaintiff – if it succeeds, court beckons.

The Guardian - Tech

Her iPhone backups stop months before the shooting and police wonder if they could find a lead by scrolling through her iPhone diary and text messages.

The Guardian

At both tables the contract was four spades by North, and East had to find a lead from among unpalatable choices.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "found a lead" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the lead pertains to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the type of investigation, business deal, or research area.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of a "found a lead". A lead is merely an initial indication or possibility; it does not guarantee a successful outcome or resolution. Ensure that you qualify the lead appropriately to manage expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found a lead" typically functions as the predicate of a sentence, indicating the action of discovering a potential piece of information or direction. Ludwig AI shows it in sentences related to investigations, business, and research.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found a lead" signifies the discovery of an initial piece of information that could guide further action. Grammatically sound, its usage spans various contexts, prominently featuring in news, science, and general informational domains. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's crucial to qualify leads accurately to avoid overstating their significance. Alternatives include phrases like "discovered a clue" or "uncovered a hint", offering nuanced variations in meaning. As such, understanding the contexts and implications of "found a lead" empowers more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discovered a clue

Focuses more on the aspect of finding a piece of evidence in an investigation.

uncovered a hint

Emphasizes the unveiling of something previously hidden or unknown.

identified a prospect

Highlights finding a potential customer or opportunity, particularly in business.

detected an opening

Suggests recognizing an opportunity to advance or succeed.

located a source

Stresses the finding of a provider of information or resources.

stumbled upon a breakthrough

Emphasizes an accidental or unexpected discovery leading to significant progress.

chanced upon a connection

Highlights the serendipitous finding of a link or relationship.

followed a trail

Focuses on pursuing an existing sign or indication.

gained an advantage

Implies obtaining a superior position or opportunity, often through effort or skill.

acquired intelligence

Highlights gathering information, often in a strategic or investigative context.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "found a lead"?

Saying someone "found a lead" means they discovered an initial piece of information or direction that could potentially help them solve a problem, close a deal, or make progress in an investigation or other endeavor.

What are some alternative phrases for "found a lead"?

You can use alternatives like "discovered a clue", "uncovered a hint", or "identified a prospect" depending on the context.

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

Example: "The detective finally "found a lead" that pointed towards the suspect's hideout."

Is it better to say "find a lead" or "found a lead"?

"Find a lead" is used when discussing the act of searching, while "found a lead" is used when referring to the completion of that action and the discovery of the lead.