lead to a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lead to a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship, where one thing results in another. Example: "Poor diet and lack of exercise can lead to a variety of health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could lead to a cure.

The Economist

The combination could lead to a recession.

The New York Times

"That could lead to a sell-off".

The New York Times

Two steps lead to a narrow entrance.

The New York Times

Which could lead to a brokered convention!

The New York Times

This, too, could lead to a lawsuit.

The New York Times

This could lead to a fresh charge.

The Economist

It could potentially lead to a job.

The New York Times

A fever could lead to a coma.

The New York Times

It could lead to a leadership change.

The Guardian

That could lead to a crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lead to a", ensure that the connection between cause and effect is clear and logical. Avoid vague or unsupported claims about potential outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "lead to a" when the connection is merely a possibility or correlation rather than a direct result. Qualify statements with phrases like "may lead to" or "could potentially lead to" if the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lead to a" functions as a causative verb phrase, indicating that one thing causes or results in another. Ludwig confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its wide applicability in connecting events and outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lead to a" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express causation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It is very common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific writing. To use it effectively, ensure a clear and logical connection between the cause and effect, and be mindful of overstating causal relationships when the outcome is uncertain. Alternatives such as "result in a" or "cause a" can be employed for nuanced expression. This phrase provides a straightforward way to explain how actions and events produce specific outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

result in a

Emphasizes the outcome or consequence of an action or event, similar to "lead to a".

cause a

Focuses on the direct causation of an event or situation.

give rise to a

Highlights the beginning or origin of something, suggesting a more gradual development.

bring about a

Indicates an active effort to produce a particular result.

contribute to a

Suggests a partial influence or factor in the occurrence of something.

pave the way for a

Implies preparation for future events or developments.

open the door to a

Similar to pave the way, this suggests creating opportunities or possibilities.

beget a

This term means to produce especially as a natural effect; similar to "lead to a".

entail a

Highlights that something necessarily involves or includes a particular consequence.

spark a

Suggests the start of an event or process, often implying excitement or intensity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "lead to a" indicates that one action or event results in another. For example, "Poor communication can "lead to a" misunderstanding".

What are some alternatives to "lead to a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "result in a", "cause a", or "give rise to a".

Is it correct to say "leads to a" instead of "lead to a"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "leads to a" for singular subjects (e.g., "This decision leads to a problem"), and "lead to a" for plural subjects (e.g., "These decisions lead to a problem").

What's the difference between "lead to a" and "contribute to a"?

"Lead to a" implies a more direct causal relationship, while "contribute to a" suggests a partial influence or factor. For example, "Poor diet can "lead to a" health problem", but "Stress can contribute to a health problem".