Question

Read the definitions.

lean

\ˈlēn\

[Middle English lenen; Old English hleoian; German hlinēn]

verb
1. to bend from a vertical position
2. to rely on for support or inspiration
3. to incline in opinion, taste, or desire

lien

\ˈlē-ən\

[Anglo-French lien; Latin ligament, from ligare, "to bind”]

noun
1. a legal claim on the property of another person until a debt has been paid back

Which sentences use lean correctly? Select two options.

The property cannot be put on the market until the lean has been completely repaid.
After the earthquake in Crete, the water tower leans more than 15 degrees to the right.
The business owner placed a lean on the property until the debt could be repaid.
The voters are leaning toward the mayoral candidate with more government experience.
The house could not be sold until the lean was removed.

Answer 1

Options 2 and 4.

- 2 uses "leans" to mean bends from vertical (correct).
- 4 uses "leaning" to mean inclining in opinion (correct).

Sentences 1, 3, and 5 should use "lien" (the legal claim), not "lean."