lean across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of stretching or inclining one's body over a surface or object, often to reach something or to communicate with someone nearby. Example: "She had to lean across the table to grab the salt shaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Even small-bore innovations that had been adopted by taxi drivers around the world – such as GPS, or taking payment by card – were taken up spottily or not at all by traditionalists who loved to lean across, pull down the window, ask "Where to?" and hare down to the Embankment through a maze of remembered turns.

The Guardian - Tech

Don't lean across people".

The Guardian - Sport

I lean across the table, so the goy can see my eyes.

The New Yorker

Nachman sometimes wanted to lean across the dinner table and kiss the lines in her brow.

The New Yorker

They sway and lean across the skyline, lurching like drunks returning from a party.

The Guardian

Damir talks quietly and I have to lean across the manhole cover in order to hear him clearly.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It's a grand, high, wild, difficult place, with splendid but rarely taken walks in the interior and, as importantly, it is lean-across-and-touch close to the torn, crazed, lovely Inner Hebrides: Canna, Skye, Rum, Eigg, Muck.

The Guardian - Travel

Iadanza leaned across the table.

The New Yorker

She leaned across the lunch debris.

The New Yorker

He leaned across the desk.

Harvard Business Review

One of his colleagues leans across, smirking.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lean across" to describe a deliberate movement to reach someone or something over an obstacle or a defined space, like a table or lane.

Common error

Avoid using "lean across" when you simply mean to lean against something. "Lean across" implies movement to reach something, not just support or posture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean across" functions as a verb phrase, typically describing an action where someone is bending or stretching their body in order to reach something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, as demonstrated in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean across" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of bending or stretching one's body to reach something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. The examples highlight its versatility in describing various scenarios where physical reach is involved. For alternatives, consider using phrases like "reach over" or "stretch over", while being mindful to reserve "lean across" for situations where actual movement across a space is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach over

Implies extending an arm or body to access something nearby.

reach across

Focuses on the action of extending to get to the other side of something.

stretch over

Emphasizes the extension of a body part to cover a distance.

bend over

Describes a downward movement of the upper body.

incline towards

Implies tilting the body in a specific direction.

move closer

Focuses on reducing the distance between two points.

reach out

Describes extending a hand or arm to connect with someone or something.

bend forward

Specifies the direction of bending the body.

come closer

Emphasizes the action of approaching something or someone.

extend towards

Highlights the act of stretching in a particular direction.

FAQs

How can I use "lean across" in a sentence?

The phrase "lean across" is used to describe someone inclining their body to reach something. For example, "She had to lean across the table to grab the salt shaker".

What are some alternatives to "lean across"?

You can use alternatives like "reach over", "stretch over", or "incline towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "leaned across" or should it be "leant across"?

"Leaned" is the more common past tense form of "lean" in American English, while "leant" is more common in British English. Both "leaned across" and "leant across" are grammatically correct, but their usage varies by region.

What's the difference between "lean across" and "lean against"?

"Lean across" implies movement and reaching over a space or object, whereas "lean against" describes resting or supporting oneself on something.