IELTS Grammar: 'lead to'

Students often make mistakes when using 'lead to' in their writing. What's the problem with these sentences?

1. Consumerism can lead to increase the economy.
2. Tourism can lead to destroy natural habitats.
3. A competitive atmosphere in lessons leads to motivate students.

The problem is that we need a noun or noun phrase after 'lead to', not a verb.

So, here are some some ways that you could rewrite the sentences:

1. Consumerism can lead to a more successful economy.
2. Tourism can lead to the destruction of natural habitats.
3. A competitive atmosphere in lessons motivates students.

Notice that in sentence 3 it is better to keep the verb 'motivates' and miss out 'leads to'.