The verb "lead" is an irregular verb in English, used to describe the action of guiding or directing someone or something. Its conjugation deviates from the regular pattern for verbs.

In the present simple tense, "lead" follows its base form for most subjects: "I lead," "you lead," "he/she/it leads," and so on. For example, "She leads the team with confidence."

In the past simple tense, "lead" changes to "led." This irregular form is used to describe the action of guiding or directing in the past. For instance, "He led the group on a successful hike."

The past participle of "lead" is also "led." When forming perfect tenses, such as the present perfect or past perfect, the past participle is combined with auxiliary verbs. An example sentence is "They have led the project to completion."

"Lead" is a transitive verb, which means it usually requires a direct object to complete its meaning. For example, "She leads the team." The team is the direct object of the verb "lead."

The verb "lead" can also be used in various idiomatic expressions, such as "lead the way" (to go in front to show the way), "lead astray" (to misguide or mislead someone), and "take the lead" (to assume control or initiative).

It's important to note the distinction between the verb "lead" and the noun "lead" (which refers to a type of metal or the graphite in pencils, pronounced as "led"). The spelling and pronunciation change based on the context.

Understanding the irregular conjugation of "lead" is essential for accurately describing actions related to guiding, directing, or being in charge.