How to Pronounce "lead up to"
expression
ˈɫɛd/, /ˈɫid/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
LED-up-too, LEED-up-too, LED-up-tuh, LEED-up-tuh, LED-up-tih, LEED-up-tih
lɛd/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː
LED-up-TOO
Definition
To happen or exist before something important, preparing for or causing it. Refers to events or actions leading directly to a main event.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫɛd/, /ˈɫid/ /ˈəp/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
British English
lɛd/ /ˈʌp/ /tˈuː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LED-up-too, LEED-up-too, LED-up-tuh, LEED-up-tuh, LED-up-tih, LEED-up-tih
UK
LED-up-TOO
Listen in Context
The weeks that lead up to the exam are always busy.
Many discussions lead up to the final decision.
He explained the events that led up to the accident.
There was a lot of tension leading up to the announcement.