Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Lean off
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
? The phrase "lean off" is used in spoken English, but it is not grammatically correct or commonly used in written English
It is generally used to indicate someone physically leaning away from something or someone. Example: She leaned off the balcony to get a better view of the ocean.
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Wiki
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
To look at the TV, from the sofa, you have to sort of… lean off it.
News & Media
It is Sex Time, is what I am saying, and then one of you does that incredibly inelegantly lean off the bed to where the condoms are stored in a drawer, that big reach where one of you goes "augh" with the strain of it, and there are no condoms left in the drawer, only empty foil wrappers and the Royal Sheath.
News & Media
Do not lean off to the side or you will fall.
Wiki
If they lean off of the rubber band and touch the ruler, the scale will not be accurate.
Wiki
When you're on the second floor, don't lean off the edges of escalators or peek over the edge of the second floor.
Wiki
If it does, either lean off the throttle or take your foot off the pegs toward the back, and lean over the bars.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
The man leaned off to the side and his skin was a cloudy blue-gray, as though he were ill in some exotic way.
News & Media
At the drop, my bow leaned off more toward the right, propelling my torso into the edge of the rock projection.
News & Media
In front of the home, a bloody sandal leaned off the side of the porch, and blood was spattered across a stone railing.
News & Media
I find myself on a platform in Lime Street station playing a surreal support role as the lord mayor leans off the platform and pretends to wave off the London-bound express.
News & Media
Most island economies, once buoyed by agriculture and fishing, depend on the ebb and flow of seasonal tourism, so year-round islanders learn how to make as much money as possible in the high season, then squirrel it away to tide them over in the lean off-season months.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When describing physical movement, consider using more precise verbs like "lean back", "lean away", or "recline" for clarity.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "off" when "away from" or "back from" more accurately conveys the intended meaning of distancing oneself physically.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "lean off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb attempting to describe a physical action of moving one's body away from a point of support or reference. Ludwig AI notes that it is used in spoken English but is grammatically questionable.
Expression frequency: Uncommon
✓ Frequent in
Wiki
50%
News & Media
50%
Science
0%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "lean off" is a phrase used to describe the act of moving away or inclining the body away from something. While it appears in informal contexts such as Wiki and News & Media, it is not considered grammatically standard English. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase has issues. For clearer and more accurate communication, consider using alternatives like "lean away from" or "move back from". These alternatives provide increased precision and adhere to grammatical conventions.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
lean away from
Indicates a movement of the body in the opposite direction, physically distancing oneself.
move back from
Suggests a retreating motion, creating space between oneself and something else.
draw back from
Implies a cautious or hesitant retreat, often due to fear or discomfort.
recline from
Suggests a more relaxed backward movement, often associated with comfort.
bend backward from
Describes a curving motion away from something, emphasizing the physical contortion.
shift away from
Implies a slight change in position, creating a small distance.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I correctly describe leaning away from something?
Instead of "lean off", use phrases like "lean back", "lean away from", or "draw back from" depending on the context.
What are some alternatives to the phrase "lean off"?
Consider using more precise alternatives such as "move back from", "shift away from", or "withdraw from", to more accurately describe the action.
Is "lean off" grammatically correct?
While used in some contexts, "lean off" is not considered grammatically standard. Opt for more conventional phrases for clearer communication.
Which is more appropriate, "lean off" or "lean away from"?
"Lean away from" is generally more appropriate and grammatically sound than "lean off", providing a clearer indication of direction and movement.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested