Question about 'lead to' and 'result in'
The events that led to the start of the First World War.

In Longman dictionary, the definition of 'lead to' is 'to cause something to happen', 'result in' suggests 'to make somethng happen'. The definition of the two phrases are the same. Can I use result in to replace lead to? Thank you!

Question

Question about 'lead to' and 'result in' 
The events that led to the start of the First World War.

In Longman dictionary, the definition of 'lead to' is 'to cause something to happen', 'result in' suggests 'to make somethng happen'. The definition of the two phrases are the same. Can I use result in to replace lead to? Thank you!

Answer

lead to - to begin a process that causes something to happen

Eg: 
There is no doubt that stress can lead to physical illness.
A process of negotiation leading to a peaceful settlement.

result in 
           to achieve something; to bring about something;

Eg:
I hope that this will result in the police finding your car. 
All my effort resulted in nothing at all.

It depends upon the situation Sanya.

Answer

The difference is slight. The expression "lead to" means to produce. "His mother's death led to a change in his behavior". When "result" is followed by "in", it introduces the idea of consequences. "The passage of this law will result in evil". The implication is stronger, in my opinion, like an event springing directly from facts.