# lead to

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lead-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to cause something to happen or result in something.

For teachers: to cause an event or outcome; transitive, typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the resulting situation.

## Examples

- The accident led to a lawsuit.
- The new policy led to increased productivity in the company.
- The discovery of penicillin led to a revolution in medical treatment.

## Usage notes

- typically followed by a noun or clause indicating the result.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'cause' (more direct) and 'result in' (more formal); 'lead to' implies a causal relationship over time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.