leading him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of guiding or directing someone, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The teacher was leading him through the complex concepts of mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the guards were leading him away.

The New Yorker

I don't believe I'm leading him on.

The New York Times

From now on, they risk leading him astray.

The Economist

And he blamed Mr. Obama for leading him on.

The New York Times

But his nose might be leading him astray.

The Guardian - Sport

And surfing's still leading him in new, obtuse directions.

The Guardian - Film

An exquisite whisper leading him through the dark.

The Guardian - Books

"Well that's different," the stonecutter said, taking Rezak's hand and leading him into the back room.

The New Yorker

He got more close-ups and replays than anyone else, even those leading him.

The New York Times - Sports

"And here," Noah said, leading him across the room to a chest of drawers.

The New Yorker

He stood up for his father as his wise guide in leading him to choose Auburn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leading him", consider the specific nuance you want to convey: is it physical guidance, influence, or something else? Choose synonyms carefully to match your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid overstating the degree of influence. "Leading him" suggests guidance, not absolute control. Ensure your writing accurately reflects the extent of the subject's agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading him" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle verb followed by an object pronoun. It describes an action in progress, where someone is guiding or directing another person. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it can be used literally or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading him" is a versatile verb phrase commonly used to describe the act of guiding, directing, or influencing someone. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and general writing. While synonyms like "guiding him" or "directing him" offer alternative nuances, the core meaning remains consistent. As Ludwig AI confirms, "leading him" is appropriate for both literal and figurative scenarios, emphasizing the importance of considering the intended meaning and context for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding him

Emphasizes a supportive and directional role, often suggesting mentorship or assistance.

directing him

Focuses on instruction and control, indicating a more authoritative approach.

showing him the way

Highlights the act of revealing a path or method, often implying a lack of prior knowledge.

steering him

Implies careful navigation and course correction, often in challenging situations.

escorting him

Suggests accompanying someone while ensuring their safe passage.

ushering him

Implies a formal introduction or entry into a new space or experience.

taking him by the hand

Emphasizes a gentle and supportive form of guidance, often used metaphorically.

influencing him

Focuses on the power to affect someone's decisions or actions, often subtly.

motivating him

Highlights the act of inspiring someone to take action or pursue a goal.

convincing him

Emphasizes the act of persuading someone to believe or do something.

FAQs

How can I use "leading him" in a sentence?

You can use "leading him" to describe the act of guiding someone physically or metaphorically. For instance, "She was "leading him through the crowd"" or "His ambition was "leading him to success"".

What are some alternatives to "leading him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "guiding him", "directing him", or "influencing him".

Is there a difference between "leading him" and "dragging him"?

Yes, "leading him" suggests a voluntary or cooperative movement, while "dragging him" implies resistance or unwillingness.

When is it appropriate to use "leading him on"?

"Leading him on" implies deceiving someone into believing they have a romantic interest when you do not. Use it when describing such a situation.