lead department

USAGE SUMMARY

"lead department" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a department that is in charge of or responsible for something. For example: "The lead department is responsible for ensuring the project is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Foreign Office was the lead department in Britain.

The Guardian

The DWP has already shed 14,215 staff, making it the lead department in Whitehall for job cuts.

The Guardian

However they would not say what work he was undertaking despite the fact that the Cabinet Office has never been a lead department in the area.

Independent

Downing Street never wearies of making clear that the MoD is, in all matters related to Dr Kelly, "the lead department".

The Guardian

The sense of a regional divide is heightening even as a powerful chancellor ramps up his "northern powerhouse" talk, an irony underlined last week when the lead department in the powerhouse project announced it was closing its biggest office outside of London, with the loss of hundreds of Sheffield jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

A systematic and integrated approach to ECEC policy, including a clear vision, a coordinated policy framework and a lead department in government.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This seems to be a pattern for Trump nominating people to lead departments that those people are strictly opposed to.

Huffington Post

Mr. Wardropper, 60, a respected scholar who has led departments at the Met and, before that, at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a safe choice for a museum steeped in the past, and whose trustees tend to resist change.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that Eileen Murphy, vice president of corporate communications, will now lead the department.

The New York Times

Selecting a capable Democrat to lead the department of defence is key to accomplishing this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nickolds is the first woman to lead the department store chain in its 152-year history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead department", ensure it's clear what the department is leading or responsible for to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The marketing department is the lead department for the new product launch."

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the specific responsibilities of the "lead department". Clearly define its role to prevent confusion and ensure effective collaboration with other departments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead department" functions as a noun phrase, specifically an adjective modifying the noun "department". It indicates the department within an organization that has primary responsibility or authority for a particular task, project, or policy. Ludwig confirms this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lead department" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the primary department responsible for a specific task or project. Ludwig confirms this usage. While relatively uncommon, it appears frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "primary department" or "chief department" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the department's responsibilities are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Based on the analysis, the phrase is well-suited for professional and academic settings where clarity and precision are valued.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Principal department

Replaces "lead" with "principal", emphasizing the department's primary role.

Primary department

Substitutes "lead" with "primary", denoting the department with the main responsibility.

Chief department

Uses "chief" instead of "lead", highlighting the department's head or main position.

Overseeing department

Focuses on the department's role in overseeing or supervising a particular area.

Responsible department

Emphasizes the department's accountability for specific tasks or outcomes.

Coordinating department

Highlights the department's function in coordinating activities.

Central department

Indicates the department's position as the core or main entity involved.

Guiding department

Implies that the department provides direction and leadership.

Directing department

Similar to "guiding department", but emphasizes a more active role in directing operations.

Management department

Focuses on the department's role in managing resources and personnel.

FAQs

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

You can use "lead department" to describe which department is primarily responsible for a project or task. For example, "The finance department is the "lead department" for budget allocation."

What's a good alternative to the phrase "lead department"?

Alternatives include "primary department", "chief department", or "responsible department", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to use "lead department"?

Yes, "lead department" is grammatically correct and commonly used in professional and academic contexts to refer to the department that has the main responsibility for a particular task or project, as Ludwig confirms.

What is the difference between "lead department" and "supporting department"?

The "lead department" is the primary department in charge, while a "supporting department" assists the "lead department" with resources and expertise.