lead
verb (present) / noun (metal)
to guide; the heavy metal Pb
“She will lead the team.”
Sound-alikes
lead vs led
Led is the past tense of the verb lead. Lead (rhymes with "bed") is also the metal, which is why people misspell the past tense.
led
verb (past)
guided
“She led the team last season.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
He ______ the orchestra last night.
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Questions about lead vs led
What is the difference between lead and led?
Led is the past tense of the verb lead. Lead (rhymes with "bed") is also the metal, which is why people misspell the past tense.
How do I remember lead vs led?
Read, read; lead, LED. Think of LED lights: they led the way.
Are there exceptions?
"Read" really is spelled the same in present and past; "lead" is not.
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