leaned toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaned toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, opinion, or direction. Example: "In the debate, she leaned toward the argument that climate change is primarily caused by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mae leaned toward Annie.

The New York Times - Magazine

Miller leaned toward Barret.

The New Yorker

Bell leaned toward the sound.

The New Yorker

He leaned toward Heal.

The New Yorker

He leaned toward me.

The New Yorker

Business leaned toward slow.

The New York Times

He leaned toward Pfleger.

The New Yorker

The jury leaned toward aquittal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

I lean toward function first".

The New York Times

He leans toward the radicals.

The New Yorker

First, she leans toward the woman.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaned toward" to express a tentative preference or inclination, especially when contrasting it with other possibilities. For example, "While the committee considered several options, they leaned toward the proposal that offered the most long-term benefits."

Common error

Avoid using "leaned toward" when a firm decision or conclusion has been reached. It suggests a degree of uncertainty or ongoing deliberation, so it's not appropriate for expressing a final resolution. Instead of saying "The company leaned toward the merger", if the merger is complete, use "The company decided to merge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaned toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a tendency, inclination, or preference. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It suggests a movement in thought or decision-making, not necessarily a physical movement. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from political preferences to personal choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leaned toward" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express a preference or inclination without committing to a firm decision. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While alternatives like "inclined towards" or "favored" exist, "leaned toward" offers a specific nuance of tentative preference. When using this phrase, avoid using it for definitive statements, as it implies a degree of uncertainty. With its widespread use and clear meaning, "leaned toward" is a valuable addition to any writer's or speaker's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined towards

Indicates a tendency or preference, similar to leaning, but emphasizes a mental disposition.

tended towards

Highlights a habitual or characteristic tendency, focusing on repeated behavior.

gravitated toward

Suggests a natural attraction or pull, implying a stronger influence.

favored

Indicates a preference or support for one option over others.

was predisposed to

Implies a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

had a proclivity for

Denotes a natural or habitual inclination, often towards something specific.

felt an affinity for

Suggests a sense of connection or liking that influences a decision or preference.

was partial to

Indicates a fondness or bias towards something, suggesting a subjective preference.

showed a preference for

Highlights the outward display of a choice or liking.

moved closer to

Emphasizes the action of physically or conceptually approaching something.

FAQs

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

Use "leaned toward" to express a preference or inclination towards something. For example, "After considering all the options, she "leaned toward" accepting the job offer".

What are some alternatives to "leaned toward"?

You can use alternatives like "inclined towards", "tended towards", or "favored" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "leaned towards" or "leaned toward"?

"Leaned toward" is generally preferred, but "leaned towards" is also acceptable. The difference is minimal, and both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "leaned toward" and "decided on"?

"Leaned toward" suggests a tentative preference, while "decided on" implies a firm decision. "The jury "leaned toward" acquittal" means they were inclined to acquit, but "The jury decided on acquittal" means they reached a final verdict.