Lead vs Led
Lead and led may look and sound similar, but they have different meanings and uses. Both are different forms of the same word. Both words mean to guide someone or something. Lead is the present tense of the verb, while led is the past tense (as well as past participle) for lead. Lead rhymes with “deed” whereas led rhymes with “bed.”
Here are some definitions and examples to help clarify the tricky difference between these words.
Lead (verb)
To guide.
Examples:
I am excited to lead this meeting.
She leads by example.
In both examples, lead is used in the present tense to describe an individual guiding others.
Led (verb)
To guide (in the past).
Examples:
She led the witness to believe differently.
He has led many successful initiatives.
In the first example, the past tense of lead, led, is used to describe an instance of leading in the past. In the second example, the past participle of lead, led, is used to describe an individual’s leading over a period of time.
Main Points
- Both lead and led are different forms of the same word. Both words mean to guide someone or something.
- Lead is the present tense of the verb, while led is the past tense (as well as past participle) for lead.
- Lead rhymes with “deed” whereas led rhymes with “bed.”