is led to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is led to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a verb phrase that conveys the meaning of being caused or guided to do/experience something. Example: Her curiosity is led to her seeking out answers about the mysterious creature.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus one is led to seek aminiversaldeformation.

Journal of Functional Analysis

I believe this is the point in the play where Josephina is led to the "dungeon".

Harvard University

Ultimately, Brown is led to a flaming altar where he sees his wife, Faith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The reader, meanwhile, is led to distrust every narrator who pops up.

The New Yorker

The wire is led to a coil shaft through a pair of timing-belts.

Physica B: Condensed Matter

The carrier stream is led to a Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR).

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

Not surprisingly, she is led to agonize over the folly of falling in love.

The New York Times - Books

He is led to a fisherman on a pier overlooking the Rio de la Plata.

The New York Times - Books

A heart is led to the jack and ace, with a spade discarded from the dummy.

The New York Times

At 4pm, Gordon's girlfriend, purified with white ochre, is led to the graveside, sobbing uncontrollably.

The Guardian

Surely one is led to assume that isolation and madness have played a major role.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is led to" to indicate a natural progression or consequence, especially when describing research findings or plot developments in narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "is led to" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The experiment is led to a new discovery", consider "The experiment led to a new discovery."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is led to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is being guided or influenced towards a particular outcome or location. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys being caused or guided to do/experience something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is led to" functions as a passive construction to describe guidance or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts. While "is led to" is common, using the active voice can sometimes enhance clarity. It frequently occurs in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. For alternative phrasing, consider "is guided towards" or "results in", always ensuring the replacement fits the intended meaning. Avoid confusing passive and active voice, and ensure the construction fits the context for the greatest impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is guided towards

Focuses on the aspect of being guided, suggesting a more active role of an external influence.

is directed to

Emphasizes a specific direction or instruction being given.

is drawn to

Implies attraction or inclination, suggesting a more internal motivation.

is induced to

Highlights the process of being persuaded or influenced to do something.

is prompted to

Indicates a stimulus or encouragement that initiates an action.

is compelled to

Suggests a sense of obligation or necessity driving the action.

results in

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a particular action or event.

causes

Directly indicates causation, emphasizing the action that brings about a result.

entails

Highlights the inherent connection or necessary consequence of something.

gives rise to

Emphasizes the creation or emergence of something new as a result.

FAQs

How can I use "is led to" in a sentence?

The phrase "is led to" indicates guidance or consequence. Example: "The investigation "is led to" a surprising conclusion."

What can I say instead of "is led to"?

Alternatives include "is guided towards", "results in", or "causes", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it better to use "is led to" or a more direct active voice?

While "is led to" is grammatically correct, using an active voice construction often creates a more direct and impactful sentence. Consider revising to use the active voice for clarity.

What's the difference between "is led to" and "leads to"?

"Is led to" is passive, indicating something is being guided. "Leads to" is active, showing something is causing an effect. For example, "The detective "is led to" the suspect" versus "The evidence "leads to" the suspect".