lean sideways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean sideways" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe someone moving their body at an angle away from the vertical, or off to the side. For example, "The cat leaned sideways to get a better view of the birds outside the window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I lean sideways into the turn, clenching my abs as I balance.

The New York Times

You lean sideways, touch my cheek — Let's live in Kochi by the sea Find a house with a white balcony, I think the angels will call on me.

The New Yorker

Stand where you can easily lean sideways or backwards into a wall or where you can touch your calves to a chair behind you or your thighs to a desk or table in front of you.

Forbes

I could lean in, lean back or lean sideways, but for me, nothing could be stronger than the hold this little guy has on me.

Huffington Post

Lean sideways over the ball until your side is resting against the ball between the hip and the bottom of the rib cage.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On the screen to his left appeared a postcard that Bell leaned sideways to read.

The New Yorker

At 10pm sharp, the top third of it shivered and leant sideways, and suddenly all of it had vanished.

The Guardian - Opinion

Every single time the audience gasped and screamed and leaned sideways in their seats as the boat capsized and was utterly silent when the seas finally calmed.

The New York Times

Every time Mr. Schultz leaned sideways or stretched on tiptoes to get a better shot of Mr. Lazio, the Lazio aide, CHIP LAKE, above left, moved to block Mr. Schultz with either his body or a copy of Mr. Lazio's daily schedule.

The New York Times

In one moment, the game seems soft and romantic; in the next, an opposing player comes crashing in, all legs, sending the ball careening loose along the green while the attacking player leans sideways, like a windswept tree, on the ground.

The New Yorker

The kitten discos on a desk; a ceramic lamp leans sideways.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, consider using "lean sideways" to depict a deliberate shift in balance or viewing angle. For example, "To get a better view, she leaned sideways."

Common error

Avoid using "lean sideways" when a more precise directional term is needed. For instance, instead of "He leaned sideways towards the table", specify "He leaned left towards the table" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean sideways" functions as a verb phrase, where "lean" is the verb indicating the action of inclining, and "sideways" is an adverb specifying the direction of the action. It's often used to describe a shift in posture or balance as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean sideways" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of inclining or tilting to the side. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare, its use is appropriate across various contexts, including news and media and wikis. Alternatives such as "tilt to the side" or "incline laterally" can be used for slight variations in meaning. When writing, ensure you are being specific in your direction and movement to provide clarity to your reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tilt to the side

Focuses on the action of tilting, emphasizing a shift in angle.

bend sideways

Emphasizes the bending action rather than just a lean.

slant to the side

Highlights the angled position resulting from the lean.

incline laterally

Uses more formal language to describe a sideways inclination.

tip to the side

Suggests a slight and quick sideways movement.

cant to the side

Describes a sloping or tilting movement to the side.

list to port

Nautical term describing a sideways lean, specifically to the left.

list to starboard

Nautical term describing a sideways lean, specifically to the right.

heel over

Describes a strong sideways lean, often used in sailing.

careen over

Implies an unsteady, tilting movement to the side.

FAQs

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

You can use "lean sideways" to describe someone shifting their weight or body position to one side. For example, "She had to /s/lean+sideways to see around the tall man in front of her."

What does it mean to "lean sideways"?

To "lean sideways" means to incline or tilt your body to one side, deviating from an upright position. It implies a shift in balance or posture to the left or right.

Are there any synonyms for "lean sideways"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "tilt to the side", "incline laterally", or "bend sideways", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lean sideways"?

Yes, "lean sideways" is grammatically correct. "Lean" is a verb, and "sideways" functions as an adverb modifying the verb, indicating the direction of the leaning action.