lead astray

USAGE SUMMARY

"lead astray" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that someone has been persuaded to do something wrong or has been misguided. For example, "Her friends' bad influence led her astray and now she is doing things she never thought she would do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Beware of thoughts that lead astray," Brom and Henriette sing, "beware of things that lead us from the way".

The New York Times

Genealogy is a form of microhistory in which no margin of error is acceptable because any mistake can lead astray all future research.

The New York Times

Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, who write, direct, produce and generally lead astray, have been seen whispering to them between takes.

The Guardian

Ja, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, claims he lost "plenty" and that he too - to paraphrase Malcolm X - was "hustled, scammed, bamboozled, hoodwinked," and "lead astray". The US singer faced an online backlash after taking a moment out of her gig in Kelly's hometown Chicago to say a prayer and send "unconditional love" to the singer, who is accused of a series of sexual assaults.

BBC

In the land of fairy tales and unicorns we mustn't be lead astray by Big Data.

Huffington Post

While there's nothing wrong with wanting either of the above, you can be lead astray by chasing after them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Led astray.

The New York Times

North Dakota led astray by lucre?

The New York Times

We were led astray, apparently, by "whether".

The New York Times

When can I be led astray?

Columbia University

"Are you tired of being led astray?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lead astray" when you want to emphasize the act of influencing someone to make poor choices or believe false information, often with negative consequences.

Common error

While "lead astray" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "misinform" or "misguide" to avoid a potentially informal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead astray" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the action of influencing someone to go in the wrong direction, either morally or factually. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb phrase "lead astray" is a common and correct way to describe the act of influencing someone negatively, either morally or factually. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a usable and understandable phrase. While it appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media. For formal writing, consider more precise synonyms like "mislead" or "deceive". Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight the negative consequences of being misguided or deceived.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mislead

A single word that directly conveys the act of leading someone into error.

deceive

Focuses on the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true, often intentionally.

misguide

Highlights the act of providing poor or incorrect guidance.

corrupt

Emphasizes the moral degradation that results from being led down the wrong path.

lure into error

Implies enticement or temptation towards making a mistake.

lead down the garden path

An idiomatic expression suggesting a deliberate deception, often in a charming way.

take for a ride

Suggests exploiting or deceiving someone for personal gain.

pull the wool over someone's eyes

An idiom indicating successful deception or trickery.

influence negatively

A broader term encompassing any detrimental impact on someone's behavior or beliefs.

betray

Emphasizes the violation of trust when leading someone astray.

FAQs

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

You can use "lead astray" to describe someone influencing another person negatively, such as: "The false prophet sought to lead the flock astray with promises of wealth."

What's a more formal alternative to "lead astray"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "mislead", "deceive", or "misinform" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to be "led astray"?

To be "led astray" means to be misguided, deceived, or influenced into making wrong choices or believing something false. It often implies a negative or harmful outcome.

Is there a difference between "lead astray" and "mislead"?

While similar, "lead astray" often carries a stronger connotation of moral wrongdoing or negative influence, whereas "mislead" can simply mean to guide in the wrong direction without necessarily implying malicious intent.