Lead Past Tense

The past tense of the verb "lead" (meaning to guide, direct, or be in charge) is "led".

Lead - Exercise

These exercises test different forms of the verb LEAD and IRREGULAR VERBS

How to Use "Led" Correctly

Present Tense: "lead"
Past Tense: "led"
Past Participle: "led"

Examples:

Present: "She leads the team on every project."
Past: "She led the team on the last project."
Past Participle: "She has led many teams over the years."

Common Mistake: Mixing Up "Led" and "Lead"

A common error is to use "lead" as the past tense of "lead." This happens because "lead" (present tense) sounds the same as "led" (past tense). However, "led" is always the correct past tense form.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
"He lead the class last year."	"He led the class last year."
"They have lead the team before."	"They have led the team before."

"Lead" as a Noun

It's important to remember that "lead" can also be a noun, meaning a type of metal (pronounced like "red") or a piece of information that helps with a solution. When it is used as a noun, the spelling doesn’t change:

Metal: "The pipes were made of lead."
Information: "They followed a lead to solve the case."

Summary Table

Verb Form	Usage Example
Lead (Present)	"I lead the team every day."
Led (Past)	"I led the team last year."
Led (Past Participle)	"I have led many projects."

FAQ

What is the correct past tense of "lead"?

The correct past tense of "lead" is "led". It’s an irregular verb, so the spelling changes completely rather than adding "-ed."

Why do people often confuse "lead" and "led"?

This confusion happens because "lead" (present tense) and "led" (past tense) sound similar when spoken. Additionally, “lead” as a noun (meaning a type of metal) shares the same spelling as the present tense of the verb, adding to the confusion.

Is "lead" ever correct in the past tense?

No, "lead" is never correct as the past tense of the verb "to lead." Always use "led" for past tense.

Can "lead" be used as a noun?

Yes, "lead" can be a noun. It refers to either a heavy metal (e.g., "The pipes are made of lead") or information that may provide a solution, especially in investigation contexts (e.g., "They followed a lead in the case").

How can I remember to use "led" instead of "lead" for the past tense?

A helpful trick is to remember that "led" rhymes with "red" (the color) and is shorter than "lead," making it the correct choice when referring to something that happened in the past.