lead sb. to do something?

[spaceniuzai]

Hi, I am wondering if it is OK for me to say, "I led a research team to investigate the interest rate problem in the 20s" (for example, in the context of a cover letter). I am trying to say that I have led a team and finished something. Thanks a lot.

Kevin

[Niall]

This sentence suggests does convay the message that you want it to. This use of the perfect past would as you say suggest that you have Led a team, and that the action is completed.

[spaceniuzai]

Thank you for the response. Are you suggesting that I should use "I have led a research team to do..."? Thanks.

[Niall]

No. The opposite. Your choice of tense is perfect.

I have led, which is Past Perfect Simple Tense, would only be needed if you wanted to put it just before another event.

[spaceniuzai]

Thanks a lot, Niall. I appreciate your help.

[joham]

Dear sir,
One of my grammar books told me that lead sb to do sth means lead to sb doing sth, and that if we mean sb is the head of a team, we should use lead sb in doing sth(or other prep. phrases), which in this case should be: I led a team in investigating the interest rate problem.

After reading this post, I wonder if what I was taught is right.