Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
led at
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "led at" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The team was led at the conference by their project manager."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Don Bosco led at the half, 21 7.
News & Media
led at halftime, 40-27.
News & Media
Texas led at halftime, 44-39.
News & Media
The Knicks led at halftime, 50-48.
News & Media
Indiana led at the half, 53-42.
News & Media
Michigan State led at halftime, 19-17.
News & Media
It led at halftime by 41-28.
News & Media
They even led at half-time.
News & Media
They led at halftime, another first for 2013.
News & Media
The 76ers led at the half, 45-41.
News & Media
They led at the end of the first three quarters.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "led at", carefully consider if "led by" or another alternative more accurately conveys your intended meaning. "Led by" often indicates who or what is doing the leading, which is often more precise.
Common error
Avoid using "led at" when you mean "led by". The preposition "by" is more appropriate when indicating who or what is in charge or directing something. For example, instead of "The project was led at John", say "The project was led by John".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "led at" is to act as a verb phrase aiming to describe guidance or leadership, however, this construction is often considered grammatically incorrect or awkward. Ludwig AI highlights this issue, suggesting that alternative phrasing is generally preferred for clarity.
Frequent in
News & Media
42%
Academia
20%
Science
19%
Less common in
Wiki
11%
Formal & Business
7%
Reference
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "led at" appears frequently in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect or at least awkward. According to Ludwig AI, alternative phrasing such as "led by", "was in the lead", or "took the helm" is usually preferable for clarity and grammatical correctness. The phrase surfaces most often in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, it's best to avoid "led at" and opt for more precise language to ensure your message is clear and grammatically sound.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was in the lead
This alternative emphasizes being in a position of advantage or control.
held the lead
Focuses on maintaining a leading position.
was at the forefront
This alternative shifts the focus to being at the front of an activity or movement.
took the helm
Implies taking control or leadership of something.
guided
This alternative focuses on direction and influence, implying leadership.
spearheaded
Highlights the initiation and driving force behind an endeavor.
was in charge
Emphasizes responsibility and authority.
presided over
Suggests a formal and authoritative role in guiding an event or group.
supervised
Focuses on overseeing and directing a process or team.
oversaw
Implies watching over and managing activities.
FAQs
How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "led at" to make it grammatically correct?
Replace "led at" with phrases like "led by", "was in the lead", or "took the helm", depending on the intended meaning.
What's the difference between "led by" and "led at"?
"Led by" indicates who or what is doing the leading (e.g., "The team was led by the captain"), while "led at" is often grammatically incorrect or awkwardly phrased. It's better to use "led by" for clarity.
Is "led at" ever correct in a sentence?
While instances of "led at" exist, they are often grammatically dubious or require rephrasing for clarity. Typically, "led by" or another prepositional phrase provides better precision and correctness.
What are some common mistakes people make when using the word "led"?
A frequent mistake is using "led at" instead of "led by". Additionally, ensure you are using the correct tense of "lead" (lead, led, leading) in your sentences.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
3.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested