lean toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lean toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, opinion, or choice. Example: "In the debate, I tend to lean toward the argument that emphasizes environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I lean toward function first".

The New York Times

Her answer: "I lean toward not Scotchgarding.

The New York Times

Hence they lean toward more formal attire.

The New York Times

MR. SMITH: I'd lean toward the latter.

The New York Times

I don't lean toward any party.

The Guardian

Currently, the groceries available lean toward prepackaged goods.

The New York Times

Personally, I lean toward the big-bang view.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We lean toward clean lines and compact units," she said.

The New York Times

"Activities appear to lean toward a new political party.

The New York Times

The Whites' furniture tastes lean toward Stickley, Audi.

The New Yorker

Some of its members did lean toward irresponsibility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical movement, ensure the context clearly indicates that "lean toward" is used metaphorically to avoid confusion.

Common error

While versatile, "lean toward" can sound informal in academic or business writing. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "favor", "support", or "advocate" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates a tendency, inclination, or preference for something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it expresses a directional bias in thought or action. Examples show it being used to express preference in decision-making or to describe the direction in which evidence points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lean toward" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a tendency, inclination, or preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. It carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and professional communication, although stronger verbs might be preferable in formal writing. When choosing alternatives, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the strength of preference or the degree of certainty. Remember to avoid overusing "lean toward" in formal contexts to maintain a polished and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incline towards

Indicates a similar sense of preference but can suggest a more deliberate choice.

be inclined to

Similar to "lean toward" but can imply a more formal or conscious decision.

tend towards

Suggests a natural or habitual direction, similar to "lean toward".

favor

Implies a stronger preference or support for something.

prefer

A simple and direct way to express a liking for one thing over another.

be predisposed to

Indicates a pre-existing inclination or tendency.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural movement or attraction towards something.

be partial to

Implies a fondness or liking for something.

have a bias for

Suggests a prejudice or inclination, often without conscious awareness.

have a proclivity for

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination, often implying a strong preference.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lean toward" something?

To "lean toward" something means to have a tendency or inclination towards it. It suggests a preference or a belief that something is more likely or desirable.

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

You can use "lean toward" to express a preference or inclination. For example, "I "lean toward" the blue shirt over the red one" or "The evidence seems to "lean toward" the first hypothesis".

Which is correct: "lean toward" or "lean towards"?

"Lean toward" and "lean towards" are both acceptable, although ""lean toward"" is more common in American English. The addition of 's' doesn't significantly alter the meaning.

What are some alternatives to "lean toward"?

Alternatives to ""lean toward"" include "incline towards", "tend to", "favor", or "prefer", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.