What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preside
Example
The CEO will preside over the board meeting tomorrow. [preside: verb]
Example
She was asked to preside over the wedding ceremony as the officiant. [preside: verb]
lead
Example
He led the team to victory with his exceptional skills. [led: past tense]
Example
The activist is leading the protest march against climate change. [leading: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lead is more commonly used than preside in everyday language. Lead is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preside is less common and refers to a more specific type of leadership role.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preside and lead?
Preside is typically associated with a formal and structured tone, while lead can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
