leader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leader" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country. Example: "As a leader, she inspired her team to achieve their goals and fostered a collaborative environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours.

The New York Times

"People tend to like a leader they feel is economically competent".

The Guardian

Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said on Saturday North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, oversaw the test-launch of the missile from an offshore location.

The Guardian

The Newry and Armagh MP said: "I have served the party as deputy leader through very difficult times.

The Guardian

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

As she left, the SNP leader said the decision was up to the people of Scotland, then joked with photographers as they begged for one more shot of her alone.

The Guardian

I expected that some would object to my participation in an annual forum that is largely comprised of softball questions to a leader unaccustomed to being challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the Labour leader said no, a lowing sound could be heard, the noise of an audience uniting in sceptical rejection of the man before them – a reminder that one of Miliband's greatest errors since 2010 was his failure to debunk the narrative that blames Labour profligacy for the country's fiscal troubles.

The Guardian

The opposition leader said the attempt to "micromanage" schools was an example of the government's "wrong priorities" – contradicting assertions by the environment minister, Greg Hunt, that the scheme had bipartisan support.

The Guardian

Liberal Democrats stood behind their leader, who will go home happy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Farage was the only leader to provoke an emotional reaction, earning laughs and applause from at least two of the male viewers, who had voted Lib Dem and Labour in 2010.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leader" to describe a person, ensure that the context clarifies the scope and nature of their leadership role. For instance, specify whether they are a political leader, a team leader, or a community leader.

Common error

Avoid attributing universal leadership qualities without considering the specific demands of the situation. Effective leadership varies significantly across different fields and contexts.

Linguistic Context

The term "leader" primarily functions as a noun, denoting an individual who guides, directs, or influences a group or organization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "leader" is a common noun used to describe someone who guides or directs a group or organization. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, its specific meaning and implications can vary. When using the term "leader", it's crucial to consider the context and scope of their influence, and the alternatives given can help nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

head

Implies the top-ranking individual in a hierarchy.

chief

Denotes the person who holds the highest position in an organization or group.

commander

Refers to someone in charge, usually in a military context.

ruler

Signifies someone who holds power and authority.

director

Suggests someone who manages and guides operations or activities.

captain

Implies leadership over a sports team or ship.

chairperson

Someone who presides over a meeting or an organization.

governor

Used primarily in political contexts, indicating someone who governs a region or state.

principal

Indicates the most important or senior person.

figurehead

Suggests a symbolic leader with little real power.

FAQs

How can I use the term "leader" in a sentence?

You can use "leader" to describe someone who guides or directs a group, such as "She is a respected "leader" in the community" or "He emerged as the "leader" of the project".

What are some alternatives to the word "leader"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "chief", "commander", "director", or "head" to convey a similar meaning.

What distinguishes a "leader" from a "manager"?

While both roles involve guiding others, a "leader" typically inspires and motivates, whereas a "manager" focuses on planning and execution. A "leader" sets a vision, while a "manager" ensures tasks are completed efficiently.

Is it correct to use "leader" to refer to an inanimate object or concept?

While primarily used for people, "leader" can sometimes describe a product or idea that is dominant or influential, such as "This technology is a "leader" in its field". However, this usage is less common.