lead up
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive and intransitive):
- To prepare the way for or be a preliminary stage to a more significant event or action. It describes a series of actions, events, or conditions that precede and cause or set the stage for a major occurrence.
- To gradually approach a topic or subject in conversation or writing.
Usage
- As a verb, "lead up" is often used with the preposition "to" to form the phrasal verb "lead up to." This combination is the most common way to express the concept.
- It describes a causal or sequential relationship where earlier events create the conditions for a later one.
- It can also describe the act of steering a discussion toward a particular point.
Examples
- Historical/Causal Sequence:
- The diplomatic failures and treaty violations led up to the outbreak of war.
- Months of planning led up to the successful product launch.
- Narrative/Discussion:
- Her long, detailed story was leading up to a request for a loan.
- All these questions are leading up to my main point about climate policy.
Advanced Usage
- "The events leading up to...": A common noun phrase used to describe the period and incidents preceding a major event.
- The documentary examined the events leading up to the revolution.
- Used to describe a gradual increase or approach in non-physical contexts.
- The tension was leading up to a dramatic confrontation.
Variants and Related Words
- Prelude (n): An action or event serving as an introduction to something more important.
- The skirmishes were a prelude to the full-scale battle.
- Precede (v): To come before something in time, order, or position. (Note: "precede" does not inherently imply a causal relationship, while "lead up to" often does.)
- Culminate in (v): To reach a final or climactic stage. ("Lead up to" describes the process the culmination.)
Synonyms
- Pave the way for: To create a situation that makes it possible for something to happen.
- Precipitate: To cause an event to happen suddenly or sooner than expected. (Stronger, more immediate causality than "lead up to".)
- Herald: To be a sign that something is about to happen.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Build up to: To increase gradually in intensity or scale toward a climax.
- The music built up to a crescendo. (Similar to "lead up to," but often implies an increase in intensity.)
- Lead on to: (Chiefly British) To result in or allow something else to follow.
- This discovery could lead on to new treatments.
Related Idioms
- Set the stage for: To create the necessary conditions for something to happen.
- The economic crash set the stage for political upheaval.
- A prelude to: Something that acts as an introduction to a more important event.
- The disagreement was a prelude to a major conflict.
Verb
- set in motion, start an event or prepare the way for
- Hitler's attack on Poland led up to World War II