lean towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"lean towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express that someone or something has a preference or inclination in a certain direction. For example: "The results of the survey leaned towards younger people being more likely to vote in the upcoming election."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7. Lean Towards Popular Emojis.

Forbes

Policymakers lean towards further tightening.

The Economist

I lean towards the latter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So I'd lean towards yes, it's possible.

The Guardian - Film

Prospective international partners lean towards the former.

The Guardian

I've got to lean towards Stallone here.

The Guardian - Film

I definitely do lean towards the 1970s-meets-modern 1970s-meets-modern 1970s-meets-modern

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nowadays we lean towards short stories and poetry.

The Guardian - Books

All those groups tend to lean towards the Democratic party.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, people lean towards apathy rather than a protest vote.

The Guardian

Just as in politics, competing schools lean towards the centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lean towards" when you want to express a tendency or preference without stating it as a firm decision. This conveys a sense of inclination rather than a definitive choice.

Common error

Avoid using "lean towards" in contexts where physical leaning is meant. While "lean" alone can describe physical posture, "lean towards" specifically indicates a mental or preferential inclination. Be precise with your word choice to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lean towards" functions as a verb phrase indicating a tendency, inclination, or preference towards something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly and effectively expresses a non-definitive choice or direction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lean towards" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a tendency, inclination, or preference. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, wiki, and scientific sources. When writing, remember to use "lean towards" to convey a sense of inclination rather than a definitive choice, and avoid confusing it with the literal act of physical leaning. Alternatives such as "incline toward" or "favor" can be used for similar meanings. Being mindful of these nuances will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incline toward

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a mental disposition or tendency.

favor

A simpler, more direct way of expressing preference.

be predisposed to

Highlights a pre-existing tendency or inclination.

tend to

Indicates a usual or frequent way of behaving or thinking.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural or subconscious attraction.

be inclined to

Indicates a willingness or preference to do something.

prefer

A straightforward expression of choice.

be partial to

Suggests a fondness or special liking for something.

have a preference for

More explicitly states the existence of a preference.

be sympathetic to

Implies agreement or support for an idea or cause.

FAQs

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

"Lean towards" is used to express a preference or inclination towards something. For example, "I "lean towards" the blue shirt over the red one" means you prefer the blue shirt.

What are some alternatives to "lean towards"?

You can use alternatives like "incline toward", "favor", or "tend to" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "I'm leaning towards"?

Yes, "leaning towards" is the present continuous form of ""lean towards"" and is grammatically correct. It suggests that you are currently considering or favoring something.

What's the difference between "lean towards" and "favor"?

"Lean towards" implies a tendency or inclination, while "favor" suggests a more definite preference or approval.