to be leading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be leading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone or something that is in a position of leadership or is at the forefront of a particular field or activity. Example: "The company aims to be leading in sustainable technology by 2025."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Politics

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reyes would love to be leading off.

The New York Times - Sports

Santander claims to be leading the charge.

The Guardian - Money

"Until then, we're not going to be leading the charge".

The New York Times

And they appeared to be leading us somewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All the signs seem to be leading to that.

The Guardian

One creature seemed to be leading the melee.

The New Yorker

He always appears to be leading a Mardi Gras parade.

The New York Times - Travel

"They seemed to be leading the pack of madness.

The New York Times

That was the life I was supposed to be leading.

The New York Times

I thought we were lucky to be leading.

The New York Times - Sports

Who exactly was Shakira to be leading a political movement?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be leading", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being led. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "to be leading" without specifying what is being led. For example, instead of saying "The project aims to be leading", specify "The project aims to be leading in sustainable technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be leading" primarily functions as part of an infinitive verb phrase. It is used to describe a state or intention of guiding, directing, or being in a position of control. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from business leadership to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Sports

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be leading" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive phrase used to describe the action of guiding or directing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and business. To enhance clarity, always specify what is being led. While adaptable, it is most common in neutral to professional settings. Remember to explore alternatives like "to be in charge of" or "to be at the helm of" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be in charge of

Indicates direct responsibility and control, emphasizing authority.

to be at the helm of

Suggests guidance and direction, similar to steering a ship.

to be pioneering

Highlights innovation and being the first to do something.

to be spearheading

Implies driving a project or initiative forward with energy.

to be at the forefront of

Indicates being in a prominent position of advancement.

to be guiding

Focuses on providing direction and support to others.

to be dominating

Emphasizes control and superiority in a competitive setting.

to be influencing

Suggests having an impact on decisions and outcomes.

to be ahead of the curve

Highlights being more advanced or innovative than others.

to be setting the pace

Indicates establishing the standard for others to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "to be leading" in a sentence?

Use "to be leading" to describe a state of guidance or dominance, as in "She is expected "to be leading" the team to success".

What phrases are similar to "to be leading"?

Similar phrases include "to be in charge of", "to be at the helm of", and "to be spearheading" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to be lead" instead of "to be leading"?

No, "to be lead" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. "To be leading" is the correct form to express the action of guiding or directing.

What's the difference between "to be leading" and "to lead"?

"To lead" is an infinitive form indicating the action itself, while "to be leading" indicates a continuous or ongoing action of guidance. For example, "He aspires "to lead" the company" versus "He is expected "to be leading" the company during the transition".