leaning together

USAGE SUMMARY

"leaning together" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It generally refers to two people leaning together on a surface or object, either for support, in an embrace, or even due to the crowded nature of their surroundings. For example: "We were in a crowded elevator, and by the end of the ride, we were all leaning together for support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The studio, the media partner all leaning together".

The New York Times

Composer and choreographer watched intently, often leaning together to confer in whispers.

The New York Times - Arts

For all their everyday manners, their heads leaning together in this small oval keepsake, how vertiginous and unknowable the image becomes.

The Guardian - Arts

The miners "snuggled each other," leaning together to ward off the cold and working as a team to warm their spirits as well, Mr. Mayhugh said.

The New York Times

At last they reached the downstairs lobby, crossed it, and, leaning together, made their way outside, stared at by two middle-school kids.

The New Yorker

Two young boys stared out the back window, kindergarten age maybe, their faces leaning together as if to share a whisper.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Under the influence of the atmosphere, it seemed to Kendall that he and Piasecki were leaning conspiratorially together, foreheads almost touching.

The New Yorker

Fortunately, you won't need to buy extra controllers; as with many Switch games, you can play two-player with one Joy-Con each, whether on a big screen or leaning in together to play in portable mode on a pub table.

The Guardian - Tech

Afterwords, they utilized transfer leaning, bringing together stakeholders to assemble a database of 129,450 clinical images covering 2,000 different diseases.

TechCrunch

"Keystone," a duet by Carolyn Dorfman, does little with the leaning-together conceit of its title.

The New York Times - Arts

The leaning-together lovers look happy enough; the soft-faced youth zoned out beyond emotion.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing inanimate objects, consider the metaphorical use of "leaning together" to suggest interdependence or structural support.

Common error

While "leaning together" is versatile, avoid overuse in overly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language depending on the context; for example, use "supporting each other" or "converging" to achieve greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leaning together" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often acting as part of a verb phrase to illustrate the action of people or things inclining towards one another. As Ludwig AI states, it suggests physical closeness, whether for support, affection, or other reasons.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "leaning together" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of inclining towards one another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and conveys physical closeness, support, or shared experience. While commonly found in news and media, it's also used in encyclopedias and wikis. When writing, remember that although generally acceptable, "leaning together" may not always be the most precise choice for formal contexts, so consider alternatives like "supporting each other" or "converging" for greater clarity. The phrase's descriptive nature makes it suitable for a variety of writing styles, but paying attention to the context ensures the most effective and impactful use of the expression "leaning together".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huddling close

This alternative emphasizes physical closeness and a sense of intimacy or shared warmth.

standing shoulder to shoulder

This highlights mutual support and solidarity, particularly in facing a challenge.

drawing near

This suggests a movement toward each other, implying growing intimacy or dependence.

nestling together

This conveys a sense of comfort and security, often used in affectionate contexts.

pressing close

This emphasizes physical proximity and the act of applying gentle pressure against one another.

bunching up

This describes a group compressing together, often due to limited space or a shared purpose.

clustering around

This depicts a group gathering closely around a central point or object.

crowding close

This refers to a tight gathering, often implying a lack of space and a sense of being packed together.

converging upon

This indicates movement from different directions towards a single point of contact.

flocking together

This describes a large group gathering, often associated with birds or other animals.

FAQs

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

You can use "leaning together" to describe people who are physically close, whether for support, affection, or due to limited space. For example: "The friends were "leaning together" for warmth in the cold weather."

What are some alternatives to "leaning together"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "huddling close", "standing shoulder to shoulder", or "drawing near".

Is "leaning together" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "leaning together" might be considered informal in some academic or business contexts. Choose more precise language, such as "supporting each other" or "converging", for increased clarity.

What does it mean when objects are described as "leaning together"?

When used for objects, "leaning together" can suggest structural interdependence, instability, or a close physical arrangement. For example: "The old buildings were "leaning together", seemingly supporting each other against collapse."