this led to

USAGE SUMMARY

"this led to" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the chain of events that began prior to the current point in a narrative. For example, "He was hungry, so he decided to try and find some food. This led to him walking two miles to the nearest convenience store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This led to resentment.

The Economist

This led to points.

The New York Times - Sports

"This led to government intervention.

The New York Times

This led to unanticipated loans.

The New York Times

This led to an interesting dynamic.

The New York Times

This led to some convoluted car discussions.

The New Yorker

This led to his very best songs.

Independent

Inevitably, all this led to Andrew Lawson.

The New Yorker

This led to a vicious circle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This led to considerable public controversy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This led to a large deficit.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this led to" to clearly establish a cause-and-effect relationship between events or actions. Ensure the connection is logical and evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "this led to" when the "this" refers to a broad or unclear concept. Always ensure the antecedent is specific and easily identifiable to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this led to" functions as a causal connector, linking a preceding event or situation with its consequence. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is grammatically sound and frequently used. Examples show its versatility in connecting various types of causes and effects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this led to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across a broad spectrum of contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Its frequency is classified as very common, with a neutral register that suits both formal and informal communication. When using "this led to", ensure that the antecedent is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider using "as a result", "consequently", or "therefore" to convey similar meanings. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "this led to" to create clear and logical connections in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this resulted in

Directly states that something was the outcome or consequence of a previous action.

this brought about

Highlights the role of the preceding event in causing something to happen.

as a result

Indicates a direct consequence of a previous action or event, similar to "this led to".

therefore

Expresses a logical conclusion or consequence, functioning as a synonym for "this led to".

accordingly

Shows that an action or state is a consequence of something previously stated.

consequently

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb indicating a result or effect.

thus

A more formal way of saying "as a result" or "therefore", indicating a consequence.

the effect of this was

Emphasizes the resulting effect, providing a slightly more descriptive alternative.

hence

A formal term denoting a logical consequence or inference, similar to "therefore".

it followed that

Indicates a logical consequence or deduction, implying a natural progression of events.

FAQs

How can I use "this led to" in a sentence?

Use "this led to" to connect a previous action, event, or situation with its consequence. For example, "The company invested heavily in research and development. This led to several innovative products."

What are some alternatives to "this led to"?

You can use alternatives like "as a result", "consequently", or "therefore" to express a similar cause-and-effect relationship.

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "this led to"?

Starting a sentence with "this led to" is grammatically correct and can be effective for emphasizing the consequence of a previous statement. However, ensure that the "this" is clearly defined in the preceding sentence.

What's the difference between "this led to" and "this resulted in"?

"This led to" and "this resulted in" are very similar, both indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. "This resulted in" may be slightly more formal and emphasizes the outcome more directly, while "this led to" implies a progression of events.