a leaning towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a leaning towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, opinion, or action. Example: "Her research shows a leaning towards sustainable practices in urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Travel

Tech

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But there's more of a leaning towards spiky spontaneity than on previous more chilled-out confections.

Independent

The food is generous and tasty, with a leaning towards French bistro fare.

The Guardian - Travel

One problem, he says, is that Mitsubishi companies have a leaning towards traditional manufacturing.

The Economist

In the evenings it's for grown-ups, particularly those with a leaning towards 1980s cinema.

The Guardian - Film

When he did finally enter chambers, his practice was almost exclusively a commercial one, with a leaning towards admiralty work.

The Guardian

Michael Holroyd I've always had a leaning towards island literature (from The Tempest to The Admirable Crichton).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But as the book progresses you notice a definite leaning towards a more brashly stylised aesthetic.

The Guardian - Books

Also worrying to those who liked the AK party's caution is a new leaning towards a more openly Islamist foreign policy.In this section Unstoppable?

The Economist

While we are as a society leaning towards a more diverse idea of what bodies should look like, there are still some who take it upon themselves to try and lay down the body-shaming law.

Independent

In the case of an evaluation leaning towards a more epidemiological aspect of the pathology, even if hospital admission are good data, these data must be considered a proxy of the real process represented by the exacerbation of the pathology.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

More polls do include a sampling of mobile-phone respondents and these seem to show a marked leaning towards Mr Obama.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "inclination toward" or "tendency toward" for variety and to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a leaning towards" when a stronger, more direct statement of preference or commitment is needed. The phrase suggests a mild inclination, and may not be suitable in situations requiring decisiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a leaning towards" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to modify nouns or verbs, indicating a direction or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a preference or tendency. For example, "a leaning towards sustainable practices" shows a preference for such practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Books

11%

Less common in

Travel

7%

Tech

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a leaning towards" is a useful tool for expressing a mild inclination or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly used in news, media, and scientific contexts to indicate a tendency without making a strong assertion. While versatile, it's important to consider stronger alternatives like "preference for" when a more direct statement is required. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inclination toward

Replaces "leaning" with "inclination" while keeping the preposition "towards".

a tendency toward

Substitutes "leaning" with "tendency", emphasizing a habitual pattern.

a preference for

Focuses on choice or liking, changing the preposition to "for".

an affinity for

Indicates a natural liking or connection, implying a stronger bond.

a proclivity for

Suggests a natural inclination or predisposition, often implying a potential weakness.

a bias towards

Highlights a prejudice or unfair preference.

a bent toward

Uses "bent" to describe a natural talent or inclination.

a disposition to

Indicates a state of mind or habit that favors a particular action or belief.

a partiality to

Shows a special liking or fondness.

a propensity for

Emphasizes a strong natural tendency to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a leaning towards" to indicate a preference or inclination. For example, "The company has "a leaning towards" sustainable practices" suggests the company prefers sustainable practices.

What are some alternatives to "a leaning towards"?

Alternatives include "an inclination toward", "a tendency toward", or "a preference for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a leaning towards" or "leaning to"?

"A leaning towards" is a phrase indicating a general preference. "Leaning to" is more direct, indicating an action of physically inclining in a direction or a stronger decision in one option, and may not always be interchangeable.

What's the difference between "a leaning towards" and "inclined to"?

"A leaning towards" suggests a general preference, while "inclined to" indicates a disposition or willingness to do something. "I am inclined to agree" suggests a willingness to agree, not necessarily a general preference for agreement.