What is leading? Pronunciation and usage in English

leading means . Learn how to pronounce and use leading through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of leading

leadingadjective

/ˈliːdɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of leading

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "leading." It can be tricky for some people! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • LEED-ing (rhymes with "reed-ing")

    • LEED: Think of the word "reed" – that's the sound. It's a short, quick "ee" sound.
    • -ing: This is the standard "-ing" ending, as in "singing" or "running."

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  1. "Le-": This part sounds like "leed" – a short, crisp "ee" sound. Don't say "lead" like in "lead pencil."

  2. "-ing": This is the familiar "-ing" sound, with a slight "d" sound at the end. It's not a strong "d" - it's almost silent.

Resources to help you hear it:

Key Difference to Avoid:

Don't pronounce it like "led-ing" (as in the past tense of "lead"). That’s a very common mistake!

To practice, try saying it slowly and repeatedly: "Leed-ing, Leed-ing, Leed-ing."

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "leading"?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., making the "ee" sound clearer)?

Usage and examples with the word leading in English

Let's break down how to use the word "leading" in English. It’s surprisingly versatile and can have several different meanings! Here's a detailed look, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective (Describing a Position or Influence):

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means "in a position of command or influence." Think of someone who's at the forefront.
    • Example: "She's a leading economist in her field." (She’s a prominent and influential economist)
    • Example: "He was a leading figure in the protest." (He was a key and influential person)
    • Example: "The company is a leading manufacturer of electronics." (It's the most successful and important manufacturer)
  • Synonyms: prominent, significant, influential, foremost, principal, top.

2. As a Present Participle/Gerund (Describing a Trend or Direction):

  • Actively Guiding or Influencing: It describes something that is directing or inspiring movement, action, or development.
    • Example: "The new policy is leading to increased sales." (The policy is causing or directing the sales to increase)
    • Example: "The artist’s work is leading the way in abstract expressionism." (The artist’s work is pioneering or innovating in the style)
    • Example: "His discussions are leading to a better understanding of the issue." (His talks are fostering understanding)
  • Often used with "to": “Leading to” is a common construction.
    • Example: “The investigation is leading to arrests.”

3. As a Verb (To Guide or Direct):

  • To Send or Direct (People or Things): This means to guide or direct someone or something to a specific place.
    • Example: "The guide led the hikers to the waterfall." (He directed them)
    • Example: "The ship was led into the harbor by the lighthouse beam." (The beam guided the ship)
  • To Be the Cause of (A Result): To cause something to happen.
    • Example: “The rain led to flooding.” (The rain was the cause of the flooding.)

4. "Leading Role" (Theater/Film):

  • A major part in a play or movie: This is a standard phrase.
    • Example: “She played the leading role in the drama.”

5. "Leading Edge" (Technology):

  • The newest, most advanced part of something: Primarily used in technology.
    • Example: “This smartphone has a leading-edge processor.”

Here's a table summarizing the different usages:

Usage Meaning Example
Adjective Influential, prominent A leading expert on climate change
Gerund/Participle Actively guiding or directing The new strategy is leading to growth
Verb To guide, direct, send The tour guide led us through the museum.
Phrase Major part (theater/film) She played the leading role.
Phrase Newest technology The company is at the leading edge of AI.

Tips for Choosing the Right "Leading":

  • Context is key: The sentence's meaning will usually make it clear which form of "leading" is intended.
  • Pay attention to the tense: "Is leading" is present continuous (ongoing trend); "led" is past tense.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a sentence, a paragraph, an essay?)
  • What is the general topic you're working on? (e.g., business, politics, art, technology?)

Synonyms for the word leading

Practice with vocabulary leading

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's innovative strategies are ______ the company towards unprecedented growth in the market.
  2. Dr. Chen is an ______ figure in the field of quantum physics, often invited to speak at international conferences.
  3. Researchers at the university are publishing a paper on the ______ causes of climate change, a topic of significant global concern.
  4. The team's enthusiasm was the main ______ force behind the project's rapid completion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a company that is at the forefront of innovation in its industry? A) A secondary enterprise B) A lagging organization C) A leading firm D) A traditional business

  2. Select the words that could describe a person who initiates and guides a major project. A) A principal actor B) A key contributor C) A leading role D) A supporting member

  3. The committee discussed the most effective strategies for ______ the team towards achieving its quarterly objectives. A) directing B) guiding C) leading D) following

  4. Despite initial setbacks, the organization's renewed focus on sustainability proved to be a ______ factor in its market resurgence. A) trivial B) pivotal C) minor D) subordinate

  5. The manager was praised for his ability to ______ difficult conversations among team members, fostering a more collaborative environment. A) dismiss B) facilitate C) dictate D) postpone

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The primary reason for the project's delay was a lack of clear communication. (Rewrite using "leading")

  2. Our research team is at the forefront of developing sustainable energy solutions. (Rewrite using "leading" or a related word form)

  3. The conference speaker effectively guided the discussion on future market trends. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, but not "leading")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. leading
  2. influential
  3. leading
  4. driving

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) A leading firm
  2. A) A principal actor, C) A leading role
  3. A) directing, B) guiding, C) leading
  4. B) pivotal
  5. B) facilitate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A lack of clear communication was the leading reason for the project's delay.
  2. Our research team is leading the development of sustainable energy solutions.
  3. The conference speaker effectively facilitated the discussion on future market trends.

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