lead him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to guiding or directing someone, typically in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "She decided to lead him through the forest to the hidden waterfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lead him, even.

The Guardian - Opinion

He goes as his thoughts lead him.

The New Yorker

Where will this lead him?

The New York Times

Lead him to the podium.

The New York Times

So I thought I'd lead him off".

The New York Times

"I don't lead him; he leads me.

The New York Times - Sports

But ambition and ego lead him astray.

The New York Times - Books

Finally he let Pam lead him in.

The New York Times - Travel

The question is, where will that tunnel lead him?

The New York Times

And where does this authorial strategy lead him?

The New Yorker

It may also lead him to sanction incontinent spending.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead him" in writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the type of guidance you intend—physical, metaphorical, or persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "lead him" when a more specific verb like 'guide', 'direct', or 'escort' would provide greater clarity to your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead him" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It typically involves a transitive verb ("lead") followed by an object pronoun ("him"). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

31%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lead him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies guiding or directing someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as general writing contexts, it serves the purpose of instructing or influencing an individual's actions or decisions. While its register remains mostly neutral, the specific context dictates the level of formality. Remember to choose the most precise synonym like "guide him" or "direct him" to ensure clarity in your writing. By avoiding overuse and understanding the nuances of similar phrases, you can effectively employ "lead him" in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide him

Directly replaces "lead" with a synonym, emphasizing direction.

direct him

Similar to 'guide,' but can imply a more formal or authoritative instruction.

steer him

Implies guiding someone away from a potential problem or towards a specific goal.

usher him

Indicates a formal or ceremonial guidance, often into a specific location or position.

escort him

Suggests accompanying someone, often for protection or courtesy.

shepherd him

Evokes a sense of care and protection while guiding someone, like a shepherd with their flock.

show him the way

More descriptive and emphasizes the act of revealing the correct path or method.

maneuver him

Implies skillful or strategic guidance, often in a challenging situation.

take him

More general term, suggesting physical movement of the person.

influence him

Shifts the focus to persuasion and indirect guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "lead him" to describe guiding someone physically, like "She decided to lead him through the forest", or metaphorically, such as "His ambition will ultimately lead him astray".

What are some alternatives to "lead him"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "guide him", "direct him", or "escort him".

Is it grammatically correct to say "lead him"?

Yes, "lead him" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable phrase used to describe the act of guiding or directing someone.

When should I use "lead him" versus "leading him"?

"Lead him" is typically used as an imperative or infinitive phrase, while "leading him" is a gerund or present participle used in continuous tenses. For example, "Lead him to the podium" versus "She is leading him to the podium now".