lead away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of guiding someone or something to a different location or direction, often away from a current position. Example: "The guide will lead away the group from the crowded area to a quieter spot for the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They'll never throw this lead away.

The Guardian - Sport

ISIS fighters lead away captured Iraqi soldiers.

The Washington Post

But then the Devils gave the lead away.

The New York Times - Sports

East won with his king but was endplayed, forced to lead away from the club king.

The New York Times

Andrew Greste said he looked into his brother's eyes as he was lead away.

Independent

But now a club exit endplayed West to lead away from the heart king.

The New York Times

West was endplayed again, forced to lead away from his club king.

The New York Times

South ruffed and had to lead away from her spade queen to go down two.

The New York Times

Now East had to lead away from the diamond king into South's split tenace.

The New York Times

Animal tracks, bigger than rat and smaller than coyote, lead away into the dusty gloom.

The New York Times

East ruffed but then had to lead away from his diamond king around to dummy's queen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead away", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of guidance or diversion. Alternatives like "guide away" or "steer away" can provide more specific nuances.

Common error

Avoid using "lead away" when a stronger term like "capture" or "arrest" is more appropriate. "Lead away" implies a gentler guidance, not forceful removal.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "lead away" functions primarily as a verb of movement or direction. It describes the action of guiding someone or something from one place to another. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to indicate relocation or diversion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Lead away" is a versatile phrasal verb that means to guide or direct someone or something from one place to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and academic contexts. While generally neutral in tone, the specific connotation depends on the context, suggesting either a gentle guidance or a more forceful removal. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "guide away" or "escort away" to refine the intended meaning. Be mindful of the strength of the term and whether it accurately reflects the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide away

Focuses on the act of guiding someone or something to a different location.

escort away

Implies a more formal or guarded movement of someone or something.

draw away

Suggests attracting or pulling something away from a location.

steer away

Implies a deliberate act of changing direction to avoid something.

divert away

Highlights the act of redirecting something from its original course.

usher away

Implies a polite or formal way of guiding someone away.

conduct away

Emphasizes a formal or organized manner of leading someone away.

take away

A broader term suggesting removal or carrying away.

move away

Simple relocation, emphasizing a change in position.

walk away

Emphasizes the act of leaving a situation or place by walking.

FAQs

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

"Lead away" is used to describe the act of guiding someone or something to a different location, often to remove them from the current place. For example, "The officer had to lead the suspect away from the scene".

What are some alternatives to "lead away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "guide away", "escort away", or "draw away". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "lead away from" instead of just "lead away"?

While "lead away" is commonly used, adding "from" can provide more clarity about the starting point. Both are grammatically correct, but context determines the best choice. For example, "lead away from the crowd" is clearer than just "lead away".

What's the difference between "lead away" and "take away"?

"Lead away" implies guidance or direction, while "take away" suggests removal or confiscation. "Lead away" focuses on movement, while "take away" emphasizes possession or deprivation.