Disposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Disposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a tendency or inclination towards a particular action or attitude. Example: "She is disposed to help others whenever she can, showing her kind-hearted nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are disposed to listen.

The Economist

He was not disposed to taking sides.

The New Yorker

He was disposed to laugh at first.

The New Yorker

Trop., biting, disposed to bite.

Harvard University

I'm not unkindly disposed to her.

The Guardian

The Shawanese & Delewares are disposed to peace.

Yale University

We are violently disposed to others and we are just as violently disposed to ourselves.

The New York Times

So electorates are disposed to reward good economic stewardship.

Independent

Mr. Moran is neither equipped nor disposed to do that.

The New York Times

Americans, rather, were disposed to admit his personal supremacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hume was disposed to compromise, Rousseau to confrontation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disposed to" to indicate a general inclination or tendency rather than a firm decision or commitment. For example, "She is disposed to help others" suggests a habitual kindness, not a guaranteed action in every situation.

Common error

Avoid using "disposed to" in highly informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "likely to" or "willing to" would be more appropriate. While not incorrect, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disposed to" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with an adjective to describe someone's inclination, tendency, or willingness towards a particular action, belief, or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disposed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that conveys an inclination or tendency. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, but leans towards more formal registers such as academic writing, news reporting, and professional communication. While alternatives like "inclined to" or "willing to" exist, "disposed to" offers a nuanced way to express readiness or favor towards a particular action or belief. The phrase is well-represented across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective English writing. It's essential to consider the context and formality when using "disposed to" to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inclined to

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a leaning or tendency.

Predisposed to

Implies a pre-existing inclination or vulnerability.

Willing to

Focuses on readiness and consent to do something.

Tending to

Emphasizes an ongoing or habitual inclination.

Prone to

Highlights a susceptibility or likelihood of something happening, often negative.

Of a mind to

Highlights a current intention or inclination.

Liable to

Similar to prone to, but can also imply responsibility or obligation.

Given to

Indicates a habit or tendency, often used in a slightly negative context.

Apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or suitability.

In the habit of

Focuses on a repeated behavior or practice.

FAQs

How can I use "disposed to" in a sentence?

You can use "disposed to" to express a tendency or inclination. For example, "He is disposed to agree with her" or "They were not disposed to trust him".

What are some alternatives to "disposed to"?

Alternatives include "inclined to", "willing to", "prone to", and "likely to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "disposed to" formal or informal?

"Disposed to" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "willing to" or "ready to". It's suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "disposed to" and "predisposed to"?

"Disposed to" suggests a general inclination, while "predisposed to" implies a pre-existing or inherent tendency. Predisposition often suggests a genetic or environmental influence.