leading for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading for" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you are discussing leadership in relation to a specific goal or initiative, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "She is leading for a more inclusive workplace culture."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Knicks were left to ponder a grand missed opportunity after leading for most of the second half and blowing a 3-point lead in the final minute.

The New York Times - Sports

Gibbs drivers dominated much of the race, leading for 122 of the first 150 laps.

The New York Times - Sports

He is way ahead in the G.O.P. polls, and he has been leading for months.

The New Yorker

I was leading for a long way but inexperience kicked in.

The Guardian - Sport

He had to quit the firm he had been leading for just 15 months.

The New York Times

Earnhardt Jr. finished 17th after leading for 76 laps earlier in the race.

The New York Times - Sports

What has he been leading for the last four years, then?

The Guardian

Veteran negotiator Saeb Erekat is leading for the Palestinians, assisted by Mohammed Shtayyeh.

The Guardian

("The Social Network" was leading for Best Picture, as of Friday morning).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mr. McComis, who runs the leading for-profit college accreditor, told you that this proposal "feels a little stacked against the student".

Huffington Post

The truth --  that many leading for-profit colleges have been been rife with waste, fraud, and abuse -- has at last caught up with the industry.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more standard alternatives like "leading towards" or "leading in support of" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "leading for" when a more appropriate preposition like "towards" or "in" would provide clearer context and grammatical accuracy. For example, instead of "leading for a cause", use "leading in a cause" or "leading towards a goal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading for" functions as a verb phrase, often describing the act of guiding or directing something towards a specific outcome. However, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage isn't always grammatically sound, suggesting that it may not be the most appropriate choice in formal writing. The examples show its use across different contexts, though alternative phrases might be more suitable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading for" is used to describe guiding or directing efforts toward a specific purpose, but Ludwig AI considers it grammatically questionable. Although it appears in various contexts like news, science, and business, its usage might not be the most precise or widely accepted. Therefore, opting for alternatives like ""leading towards"" or ""leading in"" is advisable to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. While common, caution is suggested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leading towards

Replaces 'for' with 'towards' to indicate direction or progression.

Leading in

Substitutes 'for' with 'in' to emphasize being ahead within a specific area or activity.

Guiding towards

Uses 'guiding' instead of 'leading' to highlight the act of providing direction.

Spearheading

Replaces the entire phrase to emphasize taking a prominent and active role.

At the forefront

Indicates being in a leading or prominent position.

Taking the lead on

Emphasizes assuming responsibility and control over something.

In the vanguard of

Suggests being at the front of a movement or development.

Pioneering

Highlights innovation and being the first to do something.

Steering towards

Uses 'steering' instead of 'leading' to imply guiding in a specific direction.

Championing

Emphasizes advocating for and supporting a cause or goal.

FAQs

What does "leading for" mean?

While not a standard phrase, "leading for" is often used to indicate someone is guiding or directing efforts toward a specific purpose or goal. It's frequently found in contexts related to sports, politics, and organizational leadership, though it's often better to use more conventional alternatives.

What can I say instead of "leading for"?

You can use alternatives like "leading towards", "leading in", or "guiding towards" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "leading for" or "leading towards"?

"Leading towards" is generally considered grammatically correct and more widely accepted. "Leading for" can sound awkward and is less common. The phrase "leading towards" clearly indicates direction or progression.

Is "leading for" considered proper English?

While it appears in some published content, "leading for" is not considered standard English and may be seen as grammatically incorrect by some. Opting for alternatives such as "leading in" or "leading towards" will often result in clearer and more professional communication.