What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
careening
Example
The car careened dangerously around the corner. [careened: past tense]
Example
The ship careened in the stormy waters, making it difficult for the crew to maintain their balance. [careening: present participle]
lean
Example
She leaned against the wall to catch her breath. [leaned: past tense]
Example
The tower leans slightly to the left, giving it a unique appearance. [leans: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lean is more commonly used than careening in everyday language. Lean is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while careening is less common and more specific to situations involving vehicles or ships.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between careening and lean?
While careening is typically associated with a more dramatic and informal tone, lean is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
