conduce
C2formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
To help bring about a particular result; to contribute to an outcome.
To have a tendency to lead to or promote a particular state, condition, or effect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used with 'to' or 'towards'. It implies an indirect or facilitating role rather than a direct cause.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or syntactic differences. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Archaic, formal, philosophical. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or historical texts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern usage in both varieties, verging on archaic.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Something conduces to/towards something.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Conduce to the common good' (archaic/philosophical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Occasionally found in philosophical, historical, or legal discourse discussing causality or contributing factors.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Rarely used in technical fields; 'contribute' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The peaceful atmosphere will conduce to productive negotiations.
- His meticulous planning did much to conduce towards the project's success.
American English
- These policies conduce to greater economic stability.
- A lack of sleep does not conduce to clear thinking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Several factors conduce to a successful language learning experience.
- Good lighting conduces to less eye strain.
- The committee argued that the proposed reforms would conduce to greater transparency.
- His calm demeanour conduces towards a more relaxed working environment for the whole team.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONtribute + proDUCE = CONDUCE (both mean to help bring about).
Conceptual Metaphor
A PATH or CHANNEL: Actions or factors are seen as creating a path that leads to an outcome.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'conduct' (вести, руководить). 'Conduce' is closer to способствовать, приводить к.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a transitive verb (e.g., 'It will conduce success' – incorrect). It must be followed by 'to' or 'towards'.
- Confusing it with 'deduce' or 'induce'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'conduce' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and formal in modern English. 'Contribute to' or 'lead to' are far more common alternatives.
It is an intransitive verb and must be followed by the preposition 'to' or 'towards' (e.g., 'conduces to peace').
'Conduce' means to help bring about indirectly. 'Induce' means to cause something directly or to persuade someone.
Using it in everyday conversation would sound unnatural and archaic. It is best reserved for very formal or academic writing.