leading by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing leadership styles or methods of guiding others in a particular direction or towards a goal. Example: "She believes in leading by example, demonstrating the values she wants her team to adopt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I'm leading by a lot.

Independent

"They were leading by three," Boucher said.

The New York Times - Sports

Stuart Hayes is still leading, by the way.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, that's leading by example.

The New York Times

He's been leading by example".

The New York Times

"They should be leading by example".

The Guardian - Business

"It's about everybody leading by example".

The Guardian

I believe strongly in leading by example.

The New York Times

Usually, they have advised leading by example.

The New York Times

Mr. Spano is leading by 58 votes.

The New York Times

Mr. Henderson is leading by example.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leading by" to describe a leadership style, ensure that the context clearly indicates how the leader's actions serve as examples for others to follow.

Common error

Avoid using "leading by" when simply describing someone in charge. The phrase implies an active demonstration of desired behaviors, not just holding a position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading by" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often indicating a state of being ahead or surpassing in a quantifiable measure, as shown in Ludwig's examples like "Mr. Spano is leading by 58 votes". It also describes a method of influence or guidance through personal actions, as shown in example like "They should be leading by example".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the concept of being ahead or surpassing someone or something, or to describe the act of guiding others through example. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for use in news, business, and even personal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to a quantifiable lead or a method of leadership. Remembering this distinction will ensure clarity and effectiveness in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ahead by

Focuses on the position of being in front, especially in competitive scenarios.

in the lead by

Emphasizes the act of currently holding the foremost position.

surpassing by

Highlights the action of exceeding a certain value or amount.

exceeding by

Indicates surpassing a specific quantity or degree.

commanding by

Suggests control or dominance through a significant margin.

outperforming by

Highlights superior performance compared to a benchmark.

excelling through

Implies outstanding achievement through specific means or qualities.

setting an example

Shifts focus from dominance to inspirational behavior and guidance.

guiding through

Focuses on providing direction and support to achieve a goal.

influencing through

Highlights the action of affecting something by means of power.

FAQs

How to use "leading by" in a sentence?

Use "leading by" to describe a situation where someone is ahead or in control, such as "The team was "leading by" ten points" or to describe leadership by example, such as "He is "leading by" example with his work ethic".

What can I say instead of "leading by"?

You can use alternatives such as "ahead by", "in the lead by", or "setting an example" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "leading by example" or "leading through example"?

"Leading by example" is the correct and more common phrase. "Leading through example" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to some native English speakers.

What's the difference between "leading by example" and "managing by example"?

"Leading by example" focuses on inspiring and guiding others through personal actions, while "managing by example" often implies a more direct application of the same principles within a managerial role.