leaning over a computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leaning over a computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone physically bending or positioning themselves close to a computer, often while working or looking at the screen. Example: "She was leaning over a computer, trying to fix the software issue that had been bothering her all day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A shaggy-haired, T-shirt-clad student named Zhang Tianye was leaning over a computer terminal, working on a mix of drums, guitar, piano, and bass.

The New Yorker

The gift store sells watches with faces showing the skin-holding man and mouse pads decorated with the chess player plastinate leaning over a computer.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Headless and armless, the figure tilted slightly on its stand, as if leaning over to tell a secret.

The New Yorker

Leaning over backward is never a graceful posture, and reflecting the consensus can be boring.

The New York Times - Books

I thundered back downstairs, to see Oscar leaning over his brother like a small vampire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was leaning over, looking, and he was wearing a jacket, a proper jacket.

The Guardian

"There's a picture of me leaning over and holding his wrist".

The New York Times - Sports

Leaning over, he emphasizes that he is not really a "yachtie".

The New York Times

He is leaning over, getting one boot on.

Stanford University

When visited recently at their house in downtown New Orleans, Mr. Sigel was sitting on a sofa in shorts and a T-shirt, leaning over a glass coffee table covered by two laptop computers, a couple of cellphones, a landline phone, empty plastic drink bottles, wireless speakers and a tablet computer.

The New York Times - Sports

Another, from a year later, depicts a shirtless James Rosenquist leaning over a press.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's posture or activity while using a computer, consider the specific context. "Leaning over a computer" can imply focus, strain, or prolonged use. Choose alternatives that better convey the intended meaning, such as "bending over a computer" or "hunched over a computer", if appropriate.

Common error

Be specific when describing the situation. Instead of broadly stating someone is "leaning over a computer", provide more detail about what they are doing, such as "debugging code" or "analyzing data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaning over a computer" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to describe the manner or position of a subject in relation to a computer. Ludwig provides examples that demonstrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leaning over a computer" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes someone positioned closely to a computer screen. Ludwig confirms this, showing that it primarily serves a descriptive purpose, often found in news and media, or in wiki contexts. When using this phrase, consider alternative descriptions that might provide more specific detail about the activity being performed or the posture being assumed. As Ludwig AI suggests, while grammatically correct, consider more descriptive alternatives to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bending over a computer

Emphasizes the action of bending the body downwards towards the computer.

hunched over a computer

Highlights a posture that may indicate discomfort or prolonged use.

looking at a computer screen

Focuses on the action of viewing the display.

working at a computer

Implies active engagement and task completion.

using a computer

Indicates the general act of employing a computer.

at a computer terminal

Highlights the specific location of use.

in front of a computer

Focuses on the position relative to the computer.

seated at a computer

Specifies the posture of sitting while using a computer.

keyboarding at the computer

Emphasizes the action of typing.

browsing on a computer

Focuses on using the internet on a computer.

FAQs

How can I use "leaning over a computer" in a sentence?

You can use "leaning over a computer" to describe someone physically close to a computer screen, typically while working or observing something. For example: "She was leaning over a computer, trying to fix the software issue that had been bothering her all day."

What are some alternatives to "leaning over a computer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bending over a computer", "hunched over a computer", or "looking at a computer screen".

Is "leaning over a computer" grammatically correct?

Yes, "leaning over a computer" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a physical posture. Ludwig confirms its validity based on numerous real-world examples.

What's the difference between "leaning over a computer" and "sitting at a computer"?

"Leaning over a computer" emphasizes the physical act of bending towards the computer, whereas "sitting at a computer" simply describes the general action of using a computer while seated. The former implies a specific posture, while the latter implies location.