Cool MateLed vs You crossed the line first
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Led
Top 2,000 (common)
You crossed the line first
Top 2,000 (common)
| Led | You crossed the line first | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛd//🇺🇸 //lɛd// | 🇬🇧 //juː krɔːst ðə laɪn fɜːst//🇺🇸 //ju kraʊst ðə laɪn fɜrst// |
| Meaning | Past tense of lead, meaning to guide or direct. | You were the first to go past a specific point. |
| Example | She led her team to victory in the championship. | In the marathon, you crossed the line first to secure your victory. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | led the way, led a group, led to success, led by example, led the discussion | cross the finish line, cross the line of competition, cross the line in an argument |
| Antonyms | followed, lost | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'lead' as in the metal, as they sound the same., Using 'lead' instead of 'led' for past tense., 'Led' mistakenly used as a present tense form. | Confusing with 'crossed the boundaries' which implies deeper issues., Using in non-competitive contexts where the meaning of crossing a line may not apply. |
| Usage notes | Use 'led' to indicate guiding someone or something in the past. Avoid using in formal writing as 'lead' may confuse when discussing metals. | Use this phrase in competitive contexts, like races or arguments, to indicate a clear winner or boundary crossed. |
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Frequently asked questions: Led vs You crossed the line first
What's the difference between Led and You crossed the line first?
Led: Past tense of lead, meaning to guide or direct. You crossed the line first: You were the first to go past a specific point.
Can you show an example of each?
Led: She led her team to victory in the championship. You crossed the line first: In the marathon, you crossed the line first to secure your victory.
Can I use Led and You crossed the line first interchangeably?
Not always. Led and You crossed the line first are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.