lean on him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean on him" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common idiomatic expression that means to depend on or rely on someone for support or assistance. Example: After my grandfather passed away, my grandmother had to learn to lean on him for emotional support during difficult times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

70) Performed at "Lean on Him: A Tribute to Bill Withers" at Carnegie Hall.

Huffington Post

I am leaving the first world distractions behind for the chance to lean on Him completely, and to develop a deeper relationship with him.

Los Angeles Times

Take comfort in knowing that despite whatever is going on in your crazy female teenage life, God is there with you and wants you to lean on Him for support.

WikiHow

"Teams lean on him more.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want to lean on him".

The New York Times - Sports

Writer got Sheila up and let her lean on him.

The New Yorker

"We knew we had to lean on him".

The New York Times - Sports

If Lewan returned, the offense would lean on him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"I've leaned on him so much.

The New York Times - Sports

Once again, the White House leaned on him.

The New York Times

The Knicks might have leaned on him too heavily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lean on him", ensure the context clearly establishes the type of support being provided, whether it's emotional, physical, or practical.

Common error

Avoid using "lean on him" when the intended meaning is simply occasional advice or casual conversation. The phrase implies a significant degree of reliance and dependence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean on him" functions as a phrasal verb, expressing dependence or reliance on a male individual for support, whether emotional, practical, or physical. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean on him" is a grammatically correct phrasal verb used to express reliance on a male individual for support. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common idiom with clear meaning. While the phrase is versatile, appearing in both formal and informal communication, context is important to clearly define the type of support being referenced. While commonly found in news and media, be aware that overuse can be a mistake, as overuse diminishes the significance of real dependence. Consider alternatives such as "rely on him" or "depend on him" to better suit your intended expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on him

Focuses on the act of depending on someone, similar to seeking support.

depend on him

Highlights the necessity of someone's assistance or support.

count on him

Emphasizes trust in someone's ability to provide support.

seek his support

Directly indicates the action of asking for and receiving assistance.

turn to him for help

Implies a proactive approach to finding assistance from a specific person.

find solace in him

Highlights the emotional comfort and support received.

take refuge in him

Suggests seeking protection and support during difficult times.

place your trust in him

Emphasizes the act of believing in someone's reliability and support.

have faith in him

Focuses on the belief that someone will provide the needed support.

be sustained by him

Indicates that someone provides ongoing support and strength.

FAQs

How can I use "lean on him" in a sentence?

You can use "lean on him" to express that someone is depending on another person for support. For example, "During the crisis, she had to lean on him for strength and guidance."

What's the difference between "lean on him" and "depend on him"?

While similar, "lean on him" often implies a more active and immediate reliance. "Depend on him" can suggest a more general expectation of support.

What can I say instead of "lean on him"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on him", "count on him", or "turn to him for help" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lean on him"?

Yes, "lean on him" is grammatically correct. It's a common phrasal verb that means to depend on someone for support or assistance.