leaning on

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaning on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that a person or thing is relying on, or to refer to someone providing support for another person. For example: His best friend was leaning on him for emotional support during his tough times.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leaning on one's elbows is frowned upon.

The New Yorker

He scribbled with a ballpoint pen, leaning on one knee.

The New Yorker

Sons leaning on fathers.

The New York Times

Always leaning on each other.

The New Yorker

We're leaning on the past always.

The New York Times - Travel

"I'm probably leaning on canceling it.

The New York Times

"Peter died leaning on his staff".

The New York Times - Sports

Leaning on the everlasting arms!".

The Guardian - Film

People are leaning on cars.

The New York Times - Arts

Asked whom he was leaning on for advice, he said, "I'm leaning on everybody".

The New York Times - Sports

She has been leaning on credit cards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leaning on" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean physical support, emotional reliance, or exerting influence. The intended meaning should be easily understood from the surrounding sentences.

Common error

Avoid using "leaning on" when a more precise term is available. For instance, if you mean "relying on financial aid", use that specific phrase instead of the more ambiguous "leaning on" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "leaning on" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating reliance, dependence, or exertion of influence. Ludwig AI confirms this based on numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaning on" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that signifies reliance, support, or pressure. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning—physical, emotional, or strategic support. While generally neutral in register, consider more precise alternatives in formal settings. Related phrases like "relying on" and "depending on" offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relying on

Focuses more directly on dependence for support or assistance.

depending on

Implies a conditional reliance, where the outcome is contingent on the subject.

relying upon

A more formal and emphatic version of "relying on", stressing the importance of the dependency.

counting on

Suggests a confident expectation that someone or something will fulfill a need.

placing reliance on

Formally indicates that something is being trusted or depended upon.

being supported by

Highlights the aspect of receiving assistance or backing from a source.

seeking support from

Emphasizes the active seeking of assistance from another party.

exerting pressure on

Emphasizes the act of influencing or persuading someone, often to a specific action.

bringing pressure to bear on

A more forceful version of exerting pressure, suggesting a deliberate application of influence.

putting weight on

Suggests assigning importance or significance to something or someone.

FAQs

How can I use "leaning on" in a sentence?

You can use "leaning on" to describe physical support, as in "He was leaning on his cane". It can also mean relying on someone or something for help or support, like "She's leaning on her friends during this difficult time".

What's the difference between "relying on" and "leaning on"?

While both phrases suggest dependence, "relying on" often implies a more formal or critical dependence. "Leaning on" can sometimes suggest a more informal or temporary form of support.

What can I say instead of "leaning on" to indicate physical support?

If you mean physical support, you can use phrases like "supported by", "resting on", or "propped up by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "leaning on" in professional communication?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the formality of the situation. In some formal contexts, a more direct term like "depending on" or "relying on" might be preferable.