lead in

USAGE SUMMARY

"lead in" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a topic or link an idea to something previously stated. For example: "Leading in from our last discussion, let's take a look at the current state of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Democrats lead in these districts by 2pt.

The Guardian - Opinion

To lead in Libya?

The New Yorker

Oxbow in lead in backstretch.

The New York Times

They lead in a hung parliament.

Independent

But they lead in very different directions.

The New York Times

I played the lead in one film.

The New Yorker

Artists took the lead in many ways.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I had a shitty lead-in".

Wikipedia

The Anchor lead-in is in Mandarin.

Huffington Post

An allopurinol lead-in phase precedes randomisation.

BMJ Open

Write an attention-grabbing lead-in tweet.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead in", ensure that the context makes it clear what is being introduced or initiated. For instance, "The presenter will lead in with a brief overview of the project."

Common error

Avoid using "lead in" when a simple verb like "introduce" or "begin" would be more direct and clear. Overusing phrasal verbs can sometimes make your writing sound less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead in" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, often used to introduce something, be it a topic, a discussion, or an event. Ludwig's examples show it in contexts where initiation or introduction is key.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lead in" functions primarily as a phrasal verb to introduce or initiate something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts and has a neutral register. While grammatically correct, it's essential to ensure clarity and conciseness in your writing by avoiding overuse when simpler alternatives might be more effective. Ludwig's examples showcase the diverse ways "lead in" is used to start discussions, events, or new phases, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introduce

This alternative focuses on the action of initiating or presenting something.

initiate

This suggests starting or setting something in motion.

commence

This alternative refers to the beginning of an action or event.

kick off

This is an informal way to describe the start of something.

usher in

This conveys a sense of bringing something new or significant.

precede

This emphasizes the act of coming before something else.

pave the way

This highlights the act of creating conditions for something to happen.

set the stage

This emphasizes creating a background or situation for an event.

spearhead

This emphasizes leading an effort or initiative.

take the initiative

This focuses on being the first to act or take control.

FAQs

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

Use "lead in" to introduce a topic or action, such as, "The CEO will lead in the conference with an opening speech."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lead in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "introduce", "initiate", or "begin".

Is there a difference between "lead in" and "leading to"?

"Lead in" implies an introduction or commencement, whereas "leading to" suggests a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The discussion will lead in to the main topic" versus "The research is leading to new discoveries".

When is it appropriate to use "lead in" in formal writing?

While "lead in" is acceptable, more formal synonyms like "introduce" or "commence" may be preferred in academic or professional contexts.