lean outward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean outward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical action of tilting or inclining away from a central point or axis, often in a spatial or metaphorical context. Example: "To get a better view of the landscape, you should lean outward from the edge of the balcony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With arched roofs and 20-foot-high front windows that lean outward, the newly designed Audi dealerships look a little like airport hangars.

The New York Times

Software modeling revealed where panels could sit flush against the skeleton, where they could break without letting in too much cold air, and where they could lean outward.

The New York Times

Minor, intermittent eruptions of ash began at the summit area, and a tiltmeter high on the volcano's east side began to lean outward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both the entablature and the platform upon which the structure sits curve upward at the center; the metopes lean outward, while the panels that alternated with them lean inward, as do the north and south walls of the cella.

The New Yorker

It is an exceptionally graceful design, supported by a single tower made up of two poles, which lean outward, forming a V... Describes how her husband, while dying of cancer nearby at Sloan-Kettering Hospital, "would come over in his bathrobe and sit in the gardens — he said he needed me to take care of him but that I had to do one other thing, and that was to build this bridge".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In "Valerian," the effort that went into the creation of the images is evident, from conception to realization; yet my experience of Besson's film is that its quantity of imagination was mainly a substitute for its quality, that Besson in effect leaned outward to impress viewers rather than leaning inward to seek himself.

The New Yorker

Its steel grating leans outward, pulling you toward the water; atop the steel is a broad, flat wooden surface, wide enough to lean on.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gomes kept lifting and supporting Ms. Brown so that he sometimes turned her upside down and at other times she leaned outward from his body like a ship's figurehead.

The New York Times

One enclosure leans inward, the other outward, like swooning lovers.

The New York Times - Arts

"As the piece rises in elevation," Serra now pointed out to us, "it not only leans in but torques and turns outward, corkscrews up.

The New Yorker

He explains what is at the heart of his Borromini inspiration: "As the piece rises in elevation, it not only leans in but torques and turns outward.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lean outward" to describe physical objects or structures that deviate from a vertical axis or plane. This phrase is particularly useful in architectural or engineering contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lean outward" to describe abstract concepts or emotional states. It is more appropriate for physical descriptions; using it metaphorically can sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean outward" functions as a verb phrase with an adverb, modifying the verb to indicate the direction of the leaning action. It describes something inclining or deviating from a vertical or central axis. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in describing architectural features and physical movements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean outward" is a grammatically correct construction used to describe something inclining or deviating away from a center. While Ludwig identifies it as relatively rare in occurrence, its usage spans across various contexts, including architectural descriptions, scientific observations, and general descriptive writing. The most frequent contexts are News & Media and Encyclopedias. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, emphasizing its utility in conveying spatial orientation. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with physical descriptions rather than abstract concepts to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slope outwards

This alternative focuses on the angle of inclination, suggesting a gradual deviation from a vertical axis.

incline outwards

This alternative emphasizes the act of bending or tilting away from a central point.

project outwards

This alternative suggests an extension or protrusion away from a surface or point.

extend outwards

This alternative focuses on the action of stretching or reaching away from a central point.

diverge outwards

This alternative implies a separation or branching out from a common point or line.

angle away

This alternative is a more concise way of saying something moves away at an angle.

bend outwards

This alternative focuses on the act of curving or deviating away from a straight line.

bow outwards

This alternative suggests a curved or rounded outward extension.

bulge outwards

This alternative implies a rounded swelling or protrusion from a surface.

flare outwards

This alternative indicates a widening or spreading out from a narrower point.

FAQs

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

You can use "lean outward" to describe physical objects, for example: "The newly designed Audi dealerships have front windows that "lean outward"."

What's the difference between "lean outward" and "tilt outward"?

"Lean outward" suggests a more gradual or subtle inclination, while "tilt outward" implies a more abrupt or pronounced angle. The best option depends on the specific context.

What are some alternatives to "lean outward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slope outwards", "incline outwards", or "project outwards".

Is "lean outward" formal or informal language?

"Lean outward" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in descriptive or technical writing.