What are the definitions of “lean on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Put pressure on someone to get them to do what you want.
The government has denied LEANING ON the Attorney General to get his approval of the war.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lean on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lean on is to put pressure on someone to get them to do what you want. It often implies using influence, persuasion, or even threats to make someone comply with your wishes.
What are the different verb forms of “lean on”?
| Root Verb | lean on |
| Third Person Singular Present | leans on |
| Present Participle | leaning on |
| Simple Past | leaned on |
| Past Participle | leaned on |
Example
She decided to lean on her friend to help her with the project.
Example
He leans on his employees to work overtime.
Example
They are leaning on their neighbors to keep their yard clean.
Example
The boss leaned on her staff to finish the report by the deadline.
Example
He felt leaned on by his family to take over the family business.
What kind of phrasal verb is “lean on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“lean on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She leaned on her friend to help her with the project.
Example
The government leaned on the Attorney General to get his approval of the war.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“lean on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She leaned on her friend to help her with the project.
Example
The government leaned on the Attorney General to get his approval of the war.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lean on”?
Lean on someone for support
Rely on someone emotionally or physically for help or comfort.
Example
After her husband passed away, she had to lean on her friends for emotional support.
Lean on something
Rest one's weight against something for support.
Example
He was tired, so he leaned on the wall to catch his breath.
Good things to know
Does “lean on” have an informal or formal tone?
Lean on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business negotiations or political discussions.
