Leaning towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Leaning towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, opinion, or choice. Example: "I am leaning towards the idea of implementing a four-day workweek to improve employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaning towards him will also subconsciously pull him towards you.

WikiHow

I'm leaning towards there's a penalty toward it.

Huffington Post

I'm leaning towards electric.

The New York Times

"I'm leaning towards Moore.

The New Yorker

I'm leaning towards Labour.

The Guardian

So I'm leaning towards him.

The New Yorker

I'm leaning towards the former".

The Guardian - Business

He is leaning towards Andrews.

The Guardian - Sport

But this year, he is leaning towards John McCain.

The Economist

I am probably slightly leaning towards Newbury.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'd probably be leaning towards Djokovic.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaning towards" when you want to express a tentative preference or inclination, without committing fully to a decision or opinion. It suggests a direction of thought or action.

Common error

Avoid using "leaning towards" when you want to express a firm decision or conviction. Choose stronger verbs like "decided", "determined", or "convinced" to convey certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaning towards" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used with a present participle, to express a tentative inclination or preference. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, aligning with its grammatical role in indicating a direction of thought or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaning towards" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a tentative inclination or preference. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also in wiki and scientific sources. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty when using "leaning towards", reserving stronger verbs for firm decisions. By understanding its nuances and contextual appropriateness, you can effectively convey your preferences without committing fully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined towards

Implies a natural tendency or preference; slightly more formal.

tending toward

Suggests a direction of movement or development; slightly more formal.

predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

gravitating towards

Implies a natural attraction or pull.

partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking for something.

favoring

Expresses a preference or support for one option over others.

disposed to

Similar to 'inclined', but can also suggest a willingness.

drawn to

Emphasizes the attractiveness or appeal of something.

moving toward

Indicates a shift in opinion or direction.

swinging toward

Suggests a change of mind or a shift in preference.

FAQs

How can I use "leaning towards" in a sentence?

You can use "leaning towards" to express a preference or inclination. For example, "I am "leaning towards" accepting the job offer" or "She is "leaning towards" the blue dress".

What's a more formal alternative to "leaning towards"?

More formal alternatives include "inclined towards", "tending toward", or "disposed to". For example, instead of "I'm "leaning towards" this option", you could say "I am "inclined towards" this option".

Is it correct to say "leaning to" instead of "leaning towards"?

While "leaning to" might be used colloquially, "leaning towards" is generally considered more grammatically correct and widely accepted in formal writing.

What's the difference between "leaning towards" and "deciding on"?

"Leaning towards" indicates a tentative preference, while "deciding on" suggests a final decision has been made. You might be "leaning towards" a particular course of action before you actually "decide on" it.