leading the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is at the forefront of a movement, initiative, or activity. Example: "The organization is leading the charge in renewable energy innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"WE'RE leading the way.

The Economist

They're leading the retreat".

The New York Times

"I'm leading the tournament".

The New York Times - Sports

California is leading the charge.

The Economist

Banks are leading the way.

The Economist

And she's leading the charge.

Independent

Amazon is leading the charge.

The Economist

Stevens and Oxbow were leading the way.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Cavanagh is leading the cleanup operation.

The New York Times

Now, though, Japan is leading the way.

The New York Times

China's censors are leading the way.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leading the", ensure that the context clearly identifies what is being led. For example, "leading the initiative" is more precise than just "leading".

Common error

Avoid using "leading the" without specifying what is being led. For example, instead of saying "The company is leading", specify "The company is leading the market in innovation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading the" typically functions as a verb phrase, where "leading" is the present participle of the verb "lead", and "the" is a definite article. It commonly introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating the object or area being led. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading the" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies direction, guidance, or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources. Its neutral register allows for use across various professional, news, and even informal contexts. Be mindful to specify what is being led to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases like "at the forefront of" or "spearheading" can add nuance. With its common usage and clear meaning, "leading the" is a valuable addition to one's writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the lead in

Emphasizes the act of assuming control and direction.

at the helm of

Focuses on the positional aspect of leading, like steering a ship.

spearheading

Highlights the initiation and driving force behind a movement or project.

in the forefront of

Emphasizes being in the most visible and active position.

driving the initiative

Highlights the active role of pushing forward with a specific project.

guiding the way

Suggests a more supportive and directional role in leadership.

heading up

Implies overseeing and managing a team or project.

piloting the effort

Suggests careful navigation and management of a complex undertaking.

in charge of

Directly states the responsibility and control over something.

overseeing

Focuses on the supervisory aspect of leadership, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

FAQs

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

Use "leading the" to indicate that someone or something is at the forefront or in charge of a particular activity or initiative. For example: "The company is "leading the way" in renewable energy".

What can I say instead of "leading the"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the forefront of", "spearheading", or "in charge of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "leading in" instead of "leading the"?

While "leading in" can be correct in some contexts (e.g., "leading in points"), it's not interchangeable with "leading the". "Leading the" typically implies directing or being at the front of a group or activity, while "leading in" refers to a specific metric or ranking.

What's the difference between "leading the charge" and "leading the way"?

"Leading the charge" implies initiating and aggressively pursuing a goal or change, while ""leading the way"" suggests setting an example or showing others how to proceed.