“Leans” or “Liens”—Which to use?

“Leans” or “Liens”

Overview

leans / liens are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

leans: (verb) to incline or bend from a vertical position. (verb) cause to lean or incline. (verb) rely on for support.

liens: (noun) the right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged.

Pronunciation

leans: l·IY·n·z

liens: l·IY·n·z

Trends

📈 See Trends

Looking for a tool that handles this for you wherever you write?

Get Sapling

Examples in Context

Examples of “leans”

…in his parked car, he leans over to kiss her when…
…being together with him again leans in for a kiss, however…
…semi-arid and subarctic climates, that leans towards the continental variety.
On other social issues, he leans libertarian; he supports equal rights…
It leans heavily on the contents of…
…and David Lean's Great Expectations (1946).
…walks upright in maturity, and leans on a stick in old
The Charlottesville metropolitan area leans Democratic.
Albermarle leans Democratic, paralleling the entire region,…

Examples of “liens”

…"stevedore wages" as preferred maritime liens.
…ensure there are no outstanding liens or other kinds of interests…
…who seek information as to liens on real estate or for…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

Too Much to Remember?

Install Sapling