Lean on me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lean on me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when offering support or assistance to someone in need. Example: "Whenever you're feeling overwhelmed, just remember that you can lean on me for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She then launched into a powerful rendition of "Lean on Me", explaining that the song was for those who will help take their neighbours to the polls.

The Economist

(I'm serious the music is "Lean on Me").

Huffington Post

Monteith and Agron were not allowed to attend rehearsals for the episode's final musical performance, "Lean on Me", as Falchuk wanted their reactions to seem real.

Wikipedia

From "Deep Inside" to "The Ha Track" to "Lean on Me", Masters at Work have more bangers in the trunk than most.

Vice

From "Deep Inside" to "The Ha Track" to "Lean on Me", Masters at Work are responsible for tracks that we still here in the club every single weekend.

Vice

The one-man band played "Lean on Me," and Lukas sang along.

The New York Times

Best known for such hits as "Lean on Me," "Ain't No Sunshine," and "Use Me," Bill Withers was one of the great soul men of the seventies.

The New Yorker

Mary J. Blige sang, "Lean on Me".

Independent

Bomar said he performed "Lean on Me".

The New York Times - Sports

She didn't hesitate: Lean On Me by Bill Withers.

The Guardian - Music

"Just rest on me, just lean on me," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "Lean on me" to create a sense of intimacy and trust between characters, especially in moments of vulnerability.

Common error

Avoid using "Lean on me" in strictly professional or academic settings where a more formal expression of support, such as "rely on me" or "depend on me", might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Lean on me" functions primarily as an imperative, offering support and encouraging reliance on the speaker. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is considered grammatically correct. This is frequently used to offer comfort, reassurance, and practical help during times of need.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Lean on me" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to offer support and encouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a range of informal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally appropriate, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "rely on me". Key usage tips include employing it to create intimacy in dialogues and avoiding overuse in strictly professional environments. Its primary function is to provide reassurance and solidarity, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rely on me

Focuses on the reliance aspect, suggesting dependence on the speaker for support.

Depend on me

Similar to "rely on me", but slightly more formal.

Count on me

Emphasizes the reliability of the speaker's support.

Trust in me

Highlights the trust aspect of relying on someone.

I'm here for you

Expresses general availability and willingness to provide support.

I've got your back

An informal way of saying that you're supporting someone, especially in difficult situations.

I'm your support

Directly states that the speaker is offering support.

You can confide in me

Highlights availability as confidant.

I'm at your service

Suggests a formal readiness to help.

Turn to me

Suggests someone should seek help from the speaker.

FAQs

What does "Lean on me" mean?

The phrase "Lean on me" means to rely on someone for support, comfort, or assistance during a difficult time. It suggests a willingness to provide help and strength to someone in need.

When is it appropriate to use "Lean on me"?

It's appropriate to use "Lean on me" when you want to offer support and assistance to someone facing challenges, whether emotional, practical, or otherwise. It's best suited for informal and supportive relationships.

What can I say instead of "Lean on me"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on me", "depend on me", or "count on me" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of offering support and assistance.

Is "Lean on me" too informal for professional communication?

In some professional contexts, "Lean on me" might be considered too informal. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "rely on me" or "depend on me" to maintain a professional tone.