What are the definitions of “lead on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Falsely or cruelly raise hopes.
She LED HIM ON about her desire to get married.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lead on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lead on is to give someone false hope or make them believe something that is not true, often in a cruel or manipulative way.
What are the different verb forms of “lead on”?
| Root Verb | lead on |
| Third Person Singular Present | leads on |
| Present Participle | leading on |
| Simple Past | led on |
| Past Participle | led on |
Example
She leads him on by pretending to be interested in a relationship.
Example
He leads her on by making promises he doesn't intend to keep.
Example
She is leading him on by flirting with him even though she has a boyfriend.
Example
He led her on for months before she found out the truth.
Example
She felt hurt and betrayed after being led on by her so-called friend.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lead on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lead on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She led him on by pretending to be interested in a relationship.
Example
He led her on by making promises he didn't intend to keep.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lead on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She led him on by pretending to be interested in a relationship.
Example
He led her on by making promises he didn't intend to keep.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lead on”?
Good things to know
Does “lead on” have an informal or formal tone?
Lead on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
