we lean towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we lean towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a preference or inclination towards a particular idea, opinion, or choice. Example: "In our discussions about the project, we lean towards implementing a more sustainable approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Nowadays we lean towards short stories and poetry.

The Guardian - Books

We lean towards the later end of that March 17-26 window this year, because the cherry trees went dormant on late side this year.

The Washington Post

During the week, we lean towards the fresh, healthy and detoxing.

Huffington Post

That said, we lean towards holophyly and our hypothesis does as well.

Biology Direct

Author's response: We lean towards your arguments in this case unless one can deal with the incongruence in a non-arbitrarily manner as we have proposed here.

Biology Direct

Makeup: Deeper and darker tones are better during autumn season, so avoid the bright pinks, blues, greens, purples and yellows we lean towards during the spring and summer.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We leant towards things we thought were sexier," says guitarist and vocalist Theresa Wayman.

The Guardian - Music

We temporarily considered moving back until the 2016 election season began, but the more we saw things ramp up, the more we leaned towards staying.

Vice

"To counter the Chinese threat we must lean towards the West -- not because we like the West, but because the Chinese Army is 2.5 million strong".

The New York Times

As we begin to realise the nature of our predicament through meditative disciplines, we naturally lean towards compassion for others, whose fate is intertwined with our own.

The Guardian - Opinion

At work we may lean towards a particular job with a "certain" future or pay grade or we may analyze a problem with a limited view of all possibilities.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "we lean towards" in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less decisive than stronger alternatives like "we prefer" or "we recommend".

Common error

Don't use "we lean towards" when you intend to convey a final decision or strong endorsement. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty, which can weaken your message if certainty is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we lean towards" primarily functions as a hedging device, indicating a tentative preference or inclination without a firm commitment. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often used to express a preliminary judgment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we lean towards" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a tentative preference or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts such as news, science, and general discussions. While not exceedingly frequent, it serves as a valuable hedging device, particularly when conveying a preference without a definitive commitment. Remember to consider stronger alternatives like "we prefer" or "we recommend" in situations where a more assertive tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are inclined to

Uses "inclined" instead of "lean", suggesting a tendency or disposition towards something.

we tend to prefer

Replaces "lean towards" with "tend to prefer", indicating a habitual preference.

our preference is for

Restructures the sentence to focus on preference as a noun.

we favor

Uses a more direct verb "favor" to express preference.

we gravitate towards

Implies a natural attraction or movement towards something.

we are predisposed to

Suggests a pre-existing tendency or inclination.

we are more likely to

Expresses a higher probability of choosing or doing something.

we are drawn to

Indicates an attraction or appeal towards something.

we are partial to

Expresses a fondness or liking for something.

we are disposed to

Indicates a willingness or readiness to do something.

FAQs

What does "we lean towards" mean?

The phrase "we lean towards" indicates a preference or inclination for a particular option, idea, or course of action. It suggests a tendency to favor something without making a definitive or absolute commitment.

How can I use "we lean towards" in a sentence?

You can use "we lean towards" to express a tentative preference. For example: "After considering all options, "we lean towards" the first proposal." or "We lean towards using renewable energy sources whenever possible."

What are some alternatives to "we lean towards"?

You can use alternatives like "we tend to prefer", "we are inclined to", or "our preference is for" to express a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "we lean towards" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "we lean towards" might sound less decisive in formal writing. Consider stronger alternatives like "we recommend" or "we advocate" when a more assertive tone is needed.