leaning on the table

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaning on the table" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person or object that is physically supported by the table. For example: Jason was leaning on the table, seemingly lost in thought.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For instance, there is one photo of this 75-year-old lady leaning on the table with her hands holding each other in front of her.

BBC

The other showed a thin woman sweeping up dirt under a table while a fat woman stood nearby, leaning on the table for support.

The New York Times

In the New York hotel room, Irene reads from the narrator's Brahms manuscript, leaning on the table like her namesake in "Visions Fugitives".

The New Yorker

In addition to attentiveness, leaning or sitting forward (and perhaps leaning on the table in some cases) during a discussion can also demonstrate that you are not intimidated by the big wigs, that you are not afraid to actively partake in the conversation, and that you feel your participation in the discussion is warranted and valuable and should be treated as such.

Yale University

The Injury Report Miami's Jamal Mashburn, frustrated when no foul was called against Latrell Sprewell on the final play of the first half, kicked a courtside table where reporters were sitting, injuring the right shoulder of Selena Roberts of The New York Times, who was leaning on the table.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'll tell you what," Fister says, leaning on the table.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

My shoulders leaning on the glass patio table in Don's foyer, my ears were taking in every hard-to-hear word.

The Guardian

(As a perfect contrast, the next scene has the show's best pratfall, when a man, leaning on the side of a table, falls and bangs his head so loud that everyone laughs).

The New York Times

We're leaning on the past always.

The New York Times - Travel

Leaning on the everlasting arms!".

The Guardian - Film

Who was that guy practically leaning on the refs?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leaning on the table" to depict a casual posture or a momentary reliance on the table for balance or support, but avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise descriptions might be necessary.

Common error

Be sure to clarify how someone is "leaning on the table." Is it with their hands, elbows, or entire body weight? Providing additional context will prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaning on the table" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to describe how someone or something is positioned or supported. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct. The examples show it used to depict posture and reliance on the table.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaning on the table" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively describes the action of relying on a table for support or balance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, including news, academic writings, and informal descriptions. To avoid ambiguity, writers should provide context about the way someone is using the table for support. Alternatives like "resting on the table" or "supported by the table" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, academic texts, and wiki content, showing its versatility across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning forward on the table

Similar meaning, more emphasis on the direction of leaning

resting on the table

Emphasizes the act of placing weight on the table without necessarily implying a significant reliance for support.

supported by the table

Directly indicates that the table is providing support.

using the table for support

A more explicit way of stating that the table is serving as a means of support.

taking support from the table

Emphasizes the action of actively seeking and receiving support from the table.

propped up on the table

Suggests a more deliberate action of using the table as a prop for support.

table providing support

Focuses on the table being the active element providing support, changing the sentence structure.

braced against the table

Implies a more forceful or defensive use of the table for stability.

resting elbows on the table

Focuses on a specific body part used for support on the table.

with hands on the table

Focuses on the hand placement while using table for support or balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "leaning on the table" to describe someone using the table for support, for example, "He was "leaning on the table" while listening to the speaker."

What's the difference between "leaning on the table" and "leaning against the table"?

"Leaning on the table" suggests using the table for support, while "leaning against the table" implies using the table's side as a backrest or for balance, not necessarily bearing weight on it.

What can I say instead of "leaning on the table"?

Alternatives include "resting on the table", "propped up on the table", or "supported by the table", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "leaning on the table" grammatically correct?

Yes, "leaning on the table" is grammatically correct. It's a prepositional phrase describing the manner of leaning in relation to the table.