• Lead (to guide or direct) – Verb

• Lead (a heavy metal) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Lead (Noun): Pronounced /lɛd/ (LED) — A type of metal.

• Lead (Verb): Pronounced /liːd/ (LEED) — To guide or be in charge.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "lead" in context.
Can you tell which “lead” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. She will lead the team to victory.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

2. The old pipes were made of lead.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

3. He was chosen to lead the group during the project.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

4. The government banned the use of lead in paints.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

5. His ability to lead has made him a respected manager.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

6. Scientists studied the harmful effects of lead on health.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

7. She will lead the way through the dense forest.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

8. The lead in the batteries must be disposed of safely.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

9. The coach decided to let the captain lead the team.
   a. To guide or direct
   b. A heavy metal

10. Lead poisoning is a serious issue in older homes.
    a. To guide or direct
    b. A heavy metal

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Lead (to guide or direct)

1. She will lead the team with confidence. (Stress lead to emphasize her role.)

2. He asked her to lead the discussion at the meeting. (Highlight lead to show responsibility.)

3. The path will lead you to the hidden waterfall. (Emphasize lead to indicate guidance.)

Lead (a heavy metal)

1. The water pipes contained harmful amounts of lead. (Stress lead to focus on the material.)

2. Exposure to lead can cause serious health issues. (Highlight lead to show its harmfulness.)

3. The batteries were filled with liquid lead. (Emphasize lead to describe the substance.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Lead (to guide or direct):

1. Lead the team: Focuses on guiding a group toward a goal.

   • Tip: Stress team to show responsibility for others.

   • Sentence: She was chosen to lead the team in the competition.

2. Lead the way: Emphasizes guidance or taking initiative.

   • Tip: Highlight way to show the act of direction.

   • Sentence: He offered to lead the way through the crowded streets.

3. Lead by example: Suggests guiding others through personal behavior.

   • Tip: Stress example to focus on the method of leadership.

   • Sentence: A good manager must lead by example to inspire others.

Lead (a heavy metal):

1. Lead pipes: Refers to materials used in older plumbing systems.

   • Tip: Highlight pipes to specify the context.

   • Sentence: The house was renovated to replace the lead pipes.

2. Lead poisoning: Describes a harmful health condition.

   • Tip: Stress poisoning to emphasize the danger.

   • Sentence: The children were tested for lead poisoning after the incident.

3. Lead batteries: Refers to the substance used in certain devices.

   • Tip: Highlight batteries to show its application.

   • Sentence: The car’s lead batteries needed to be recycled.

Things to Remember:

The word "lead" is used in different contexts:

• Lead (to guide or direct): Often paired with phrases like "lead the team," "lead the way," or "lead by example."

  • Example: She will lead the discussion at the conference.

• Lead (a heavy metal): Commonly used with terms like "lead pipes," "lead poisoning," or "lead batteries."

  • Example: Exposure to lead can be harmful to health.