leading statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading statement" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when someone wants to introduce an idea or opinion in a way that encourages the audience to agree. For example: "Education is essential for success - this is a leading statement that many people would agree with."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is one of the most important parts of the piece, so start with the leading statement when writing a news article.

WikiHow

This is often a restatement of the leading statement or a statement indicating potential future developments relating to the article topic.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a September 18 interview on Good Morning America, Diane Sawyer peppered the men's widows with leading statements: "You really believe in your hearts you know what happened," she told Lyz Glick.

The Guardian - Books

There are no voiceovers or intro cards to provide the year or the circumstances or any other leading statements to help with acclimation.

Vice

The Department of Health said it was "not a reliable poll as doctors were presented with very leading statements which contravene the code of conduct set out by the Market Research Society that respondents should not be led towards a particular view".

The Guardian

13a, 15 The H-bond properties of TFE and HFIP are generally considered to originate from the strong inductive effect of fluorine, leading to statements in the literature such as "the ability of fluorine …… as an inductive activator of a H-bond donor group" 16 and "fluorination always increases H-bond acidity".

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

After today's opening statement from leading counsel Robert Owen, statements will follow on Thursday from the Ladbroke Grove solicitors group, Railtrack and the two train companies directly involved, Thames and Great Western.

The Guardian

James E. Goodwin, United's chairman, also described the agreement as industry leading in a statement released by the company.

The New York Times

And while Kelly wouldn't give much away Saturday night, he made one statement leading into the game that said everything about these Ducks.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps this is just Mr. Boehner's opening public statement leading to closed door negotiations, but Mr. Boehner's version of conciliation is basically the same as Republican obstinacy.

The New York Times

His reporting helped make the drone issue part of the confirmation hearings, leading to this statement on Thursday to the Senate Intelligence Committee from Mr. Brennan, which sounded like a parody of Washington doublespeak: "What we need to do is optimize transparency on these issues, but at the same time, optimize secrecy and the protection of our national security".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading statement" to introduce a key point or argument at the beginning of a text or speech. It helps to set the stage for what follows.

Common error

Avoid using "leading statement" to describe a question that steers someone towards a particular answer. A leading question is different from a "leading statement", which introduces a core idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading statement" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an introductory remark or a key point presented at the beginning of a discussion, article, or presentation. It sets the stage for subsequent arguments or information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leading statement" is a noun phrase used to describe an introductory remark or key point presented at the beginning of a text or speech. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and serves to introduce a central theme, orienting the audience to the main focus. While not very frequent, it appears across various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and scientific articles, and maintains a neutral register. To enhance clarity and impact, it's crucial to differentiate it from a leading question, ensuring the phrase is used to introduce core ideas effectively. If you are looking for alternatives, you may consider "introductory remark", "initial declaration", or "opening assertion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory remark

Focuses on the initial nature of the statement.

initial declaration

Emphasizes the act of declaring something at the beginning.

opening assertion

Highlights the assertive quality of the first statement.

primary thesis

Implies the main argument or point being presented initially.

keynote address

Refers to a significant opening speech.

preliminary comment

Emphasizes the tentative or preparatory nature of the statement.

foundational proposition

Highlights the statement's role as a base for further discussion.

initial premise

Focuses on the statement as a starting point for reasoning.

opening gambit

Suggests a strategic or calculated initial move.

central claim

Emphasizes the core argument being presented.

FAQs

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

A "leading statement" is typically used to introduce a main point or argument. For example, '"Education is key to success" is often a leading statement in discussions about social mobility'.

What is the difference between a "leading statement" and a leading question?

A "leading statement" introduces a central idea or argument, while a leading question prompts a specific answer. They serve different purposes in communication.

What are some alternatives to "leading statement"?

You could use phrases such as "introductory remark", "initial declaration", or "opening assertion" depending on the context.

In what contexts is "leading statement" commonly used?

"Leading statement" can be found in various contexts, including news articles, academic discussions, and formal presentations, to introduce key arguments or ideas.