someone to lean on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "someone to lean on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person who provides support or comfort during difficult times. Example: "During her tough times, she was grateful to have someone to lean on for emotional support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Blow a kiss, fire a gun, we all need someone to lean on!" the song exhorts, reaching new depths of shallowness.

The Guardian - Music

On one hand, you will have a life partner, someone to lean on and grow old with.

Forbes

"I wanted someone to lean on in my old age.

The New York Times

Mr. Fonseca, 35, said: "If you lose your job, you have someone to lean on.

The New York Times

She was a friend, a second mother, an adviser, someone to lean on.

The New York Times

'I met Alejandro at a party when I was feeling really low and I needed someone to lean on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

So they need somebody to lean on.

The New York Times

A woman needs someone to lean in with her.

The New York Times

Everyone at one point or another, needs someone or something to lean on.

Huffington Post

"It's exciting and magical to work with someone and be able to lean on their expertise.

Huffington Post

The positive thing about being part of a fan army is that you always have someone watching your back – we have a shoulder to lean on, and someone to cry with who understands where we are coming from.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "someone to lean on" to emphasize the importance of having supportive relationships during difficult times.

Common error

While "someone to lean on" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal documents like business reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional-sounding alternatives, such as "a source of support" or "a reliable colleague", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "someone to lean on" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person who provides support, comfort, or assistance. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "someone to lean on" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a person who offers support during difficult times. As per Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used, though the specific context should inform whether a more formal alternative might be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis of usage patterns shows that this phrase is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in wikis. Keep in mind that it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of situations, from personal conversations to journalistic writing. Make sure to assess the needs of context to select a more precise term if you're looking for formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shoulder to cry on

Implies providing comfort specifically during emotional distress; more focused on emotional support.

someone to turn to

Highlights the availability and accessibility of someone for help or advice.

a source of support

A more general term referring to any person or thing that provides help or assistance.

a pillar of strength

Suggests being a strong and reliable source of support, often in times of crisis.

a helping hand

Focuses on offering practical assistance or aid.

a confidant

Emphasizes the role of someone trusted with secrets and providing emotional support through listening and understanding.

a reliable friend

Highlights the aspect of friendship and dependability in providing support.

a trusted advisor

Implies providing guidance and counsel based on experience and knowledge.

an anchor

Suggests providing stability and security during turbulent times.

a support system

Refers to a network of people providing support, rather than a single individual.

FAQs

How can I use "someone to lean on" in a sentence?

You can use "someone to lean on" to describe a person who provides support and comfort during difficult times. For example, "During her illness, she was grateful to have "someone to lean on" for emotional support".

What is a more formal alternative to "someone to lean on"?

In formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "a source of support", "a reliable colleague", or "a trusted advisor" instead of "someone to lean on", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "someone to lean on" and "a shoulder to cry on"?

"A shoulder to cry on" specifically refers to someone who offers comfort during emotional distress, while "someone to lean on" is a broader term encompassing various forms of support, including emotional, practical, or advisory assistance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "someone to lean on"?

The phrase "someone to lean on" is appropriate in informal and conversational contexts to describe a person who provides support. It can be used in writing to create a relatable and empathetic tone, but consider the audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the overall message.