to take the lead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to take the lead" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to assuming a position of leadership or initiative in a situation or task. Example: "In the upcoming project, I am ready to take the lead and ensure everything runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He asked Rooney to take the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

(27-8) rallied to take the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

But Duke never was able to take the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

He birdied the 11th to take the lead for good.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Putin has offered to take the lead.

The New York Times

But each wants the other to take the lead.

The Economist

But the powerful need to take the lead.

The Economist

We were keen for the Libyans to take the lead.

The New Yorker

Pressure is building on Turkey to take the lead.

The Economist

Each team squandered a chance to take the lead early.

The New York Times

"Private business would have to take the lead," Mannan said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to take the lead" when you want to emphasize initiative and direction in a specific task or situation. It's effective for illustrating who is guiding efforts or setting the agenda.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is taking the lead. Instead of saying "The lead was taken by...", directly state who is "to take the lead" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to take the lead" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as a verb phrase complement or an adverbial modifier indicating purpose or intention. Ludwig confirms that it is correct to use it in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to take the lead" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies assuming control or initiative, prominently featured in news and media, with some presence in scientific and business contexts. Alternatives include "to take charge" or "to spearhead". When using it, ensure clarity by directly stating who is acting as the leader and avoid passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take charge

Emphasizes the act of assuming control and directing others.

to take the reins

Emphasizes taking control and guiding a process or organization.

to spearhead

Implies being at the forefront of an activity or movement, often with energy and initiative.

to assume responsibility

Shifts the focus from leading to accepting accountability for actions and outcomes.

to be at the helm

Presents an image of guiding or steering a ship, suggesting leadership and direction.

to be in the driver's seat

Suggests being in control and guiding the direction of a project or situation.

to set the pace

Highlights establishing the standard or rate of progress.

to call the shots

Indicates the power to make decisions and give orders.

to step up to the plate

Conveys readiness to take on a challenge or responsibility.

to dominate

Suggests having a commanding influence or control over a situation or group.

FAQs

How can I use "to take the lead" in a sentence?

You can use "to take the lead" to indicate someone is initiating or directing an action. For instance, "In the absence of a manager, she decided "to take the lead" on the project".

What does it mean "to take the lead"?

When someone is "to take the lead", it signifies that they are assuming a primary role in guiding, directing, or initiating a particular task, project, or situation. They're essentially stepping up to be in charge.

What are some alternatives to "to take the lead"?

You can use alternatives like "to take charge", "to spearhead", or "to assume responsibility" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to take the lead" or "to be the leader"?

While both phrases relate to leadership, ""to take the lead"" suggests initiative and action in a specific instance, while "to be the leader" implies a continuous role of authority and guidance.