I've looked this up in the dictionary but felt not much wiser, so wondered if someone could advise me?

If I'm using it in the sense of "I led the walking group back down the steep path", the dictionary suggests that I can use "led" or "lead". However, in some contexts "lead" can be confusing because it can also mean "I picked up the dog's lead" or "I lead from the front".

So if using the first meaning, is it just as correct to use "led" as to use "lead"?

Reason I'd really welcome opinions on this is that a friend asked me to proofread her cv, and she used the first meaning (that I've given above) with the a, and I found it confusing because I wanted to read it as the 3rd meaning. I don't want to advise her to use "led" if it is a sloppy modern use, or an archaic use, or anything otherwise negative.

TIA,

Deb

I'm sure it's correct, and I'd always use the one which is less confusing - I've often stumbled over 'lead' in the kinds of contexts you mention.

Just checked Fowler, who says that the past participle of 'lead' is 'led', no question: 'He walked to the front and led them up the hill', and 'lead' in that sentence would be incorrect. Apparently the confusion arises because the pronunciation is the same as 'lead' the metal.

Emma

Very useful reply, as ever, Emma. Thank you so much!

Deb

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I think I should get a copy of Fowler. I just got a copy of New Hart's Rules, and just afterwards saw you refer to it, Emma, but I haven't quite got to know it yet.

Now that's sorted out, may I mention Jimmy Page's decision to go with 'Led' rather than 'Lead' Zeppelin?

Jim

JoPo's point about Led Zeppelin reminds me of when I was about seven years old and reported in my schoolbook that I had watched "The Monkees" on television over the weekend. Some fuckwit teacher took great delight in telling me off for spelling "monkey" wrong, even though I tried to explain that I was quoting the name of a pop group. Funny how some injustices from the early years stick with you and still rankle after decades.

Even though it's now 40 years ago, I can stil hear my History teacher, Mrs Culley, dictating notes: " Hanniball led ('L E D' his troops across the Alps..." It has NEVER left me!

joanie

<Added>

still - and heaven only knows where the smiley face came from!!

'Led' is the past tense of to lead. 'Lead' is only the present tense, the dog's piece of string, and the heavy metal. (I think.)

Rosy

Jim, what was Jimmy Page's thinking?

Funny how some injustices from the early years stick with you and still rankle after decades

I vividly remember having a public disagreement with a teacher about using the word "demure" in a fiction essay when I was 10. She made fun of me in front of the class for using it, but I was fairly sure at the time that she was using it incorrectly (and hence making fun incorrectly), and I'm just as sure now that she was wrong. It was 32 years ago so if I still remember it so clearly now, I probably will until I go senile.

Deb

Deb - in Hammer of the Gods (great unofficial bio of the band) it's attributed (I think) to the possible inability of Americans to pronounce the name correctly if it was 'Lead Zeppelin' - not coz they're thick, but because the expression 'went down like a lead Zeppelin' wasn't one of their idioms.

I think it was Page's idea - but others might have had input. And Zep was formed with the American market in mind.

'John Paul Jones' (John Baldwin) turns up at bluegrass festivals these days with his mandolin (and bass?), and mixes in and jams with allcomers - no 'side' to him at all, so I'm told by fiends of mine who've been to 'Sore Fingers' (a boot camp for wannabe bluegrass pickers).

JIm

I've not seen Hammer of the Gods, but I loved The Song Remains the Same. I'm a big fan of LZ. Thanks Jim.

Deb

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For some reason I thought you were talking about a film, but no idea why I thought that. You're obviously referring to a book.

Deb - it's a really good book by ... can't remember the name, but it's around the house somewhere. Toby Litt checks it in his web column of cult books. But don't let that put you off! (Only joking, Toby) Yes, and it sounds like it should be a film - talking of rock films, 'Dig' is out now on video - Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre ... really tense. Great scene where the Massacre (or their remnants) get busted in Georgia for weed etc. Saw it up in Piccadilly (London) when it first came out. Worth a gawp.

Jim

'John Paul Jones' (John Baldwin) turns up at bluegrass festivals these days with his mandolin (and bass?)

He was on a BBC4 documentary over the weekend playing mandolin with my hero Robyn Hitchcock. A fabulous hour of TV.

Ah, I knew it was on, but I was otherwise engaged - I'll look for a repeat.

Jim

Thanks Jim - I'll look out for it.

Deb