a higher propensity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher propensity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a certain group is more likely to exhibit a certain behavior or trait than another group. For example, "Women have a higher propensity for risk aversion in investing than men do."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One study this year found that women with the condition had a higher propensity for forming blood clots.

The New York Times - Health

Branched iso-butane had a higher propensity for sooting than did n-butane.

Combustion and Flame

Little wonder then that some come out of detention with less life prospects and a higher propensity for violence and criminal behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Upper-bainite microstructures exhibit a higher propensity for brittle cleavage fracture than do those of auto-tempered martensites.

Acta Materialia

The alkene fuels (ethylene, propene) tested had a higher propensity for sooting as compared with alkane fuels with the same carbon numbers (ethane, propane).

Combustion and Flame

Brandon49 noted that A. mexicanum and a close tiger salamander relative (A. velasci) co-occur in the vicinity of Xochimilco, the later exhibiting slight morphological differences and a higher propensity for metamorphosis under laboratory conditions.

Nature

The upper class has a higher propensity for unethical behavior, being more likely to believe as did Gordon Gekko in the movie "Wall Street"—that "greed is good," according to a new study from the University of California, Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

The upper class has a higher propensity for cheating, driving illegally and endorsing unethical behavior in the workplace, believing that "greed is good," according to a new UC Berkeley study.

University of California, Berkeley

While HPC outperforms normal strength concrete in nearly all performance criteria, it also displays a higher propensity for heat-induced concrete spalling when exposed to severe heating or fire.

Engineering Structures

Conclusion Diabetics patients have a higher propensity for infection which worsens prognosis.

Annals of Intensive Care

Affluent investors from the emerging markets of Indonesia (25%) and Malaysia (23%) show a higher propensity for risk compared to the rest of the region.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a higher propensity for", ensure you clearly define the comparison group. For instance, instead of saying "They have a higher propensity for X", specify "Group A has a higher propensity for X than Group B."

Common error

Avoid using "a higher propensity for" to make sweeping statements about entire populations. Instead, focus on specific groups or contexts to ensure your claims are accurate and well-supported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher propensity for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating an increased likelihood or tendency towards a specific outcome. It is often used to compare different groups or conditions, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a higher propensity for" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that indicates an increased likelihood or tendency toward something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used to compare different groups or conditions, particularly in scientific and academic contexts. While alternatives like "a greater likelihood of" exist, "a higher propensity for" maintains a formal and objective tone. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the groups or contexts you are comparing and avoid overgeneralizations. Considering its frequency and diverse applications, mastering the usage of "a higher propensity for" will undoubtedly enhance your writing's precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a higher inclination for

Changes the noun to 'inclination', suggesting a leaning or preference.

a greater likelihood of

Replaces "propensity" with "likelihood", focusing on the probability of occurrence.

a greater tendency toward

Substitutes "propensity" with "tendency", emphasizing a habitual or characteristic behavior.

a higher predisposition to

Employs "predisposition", highlighting a susceptibility or vulnerability.

an increased susceptibility to

Uses "susceptibility" to denote a greater vulnerability or openness to something.

a greater vulnerability to

Replaces "propensity" with "vulnerability", emphasizing a weakness or exposure.

a heightened sensitivity to

Focuses on increased responsiveness or reaction to something.

a greater disposition for

Employs "disposition", suggesting a natural inclination or temperament.

a stronger aptitude for

Uses "aptitude" to indicate a natural talent or ability.

an increased likelihood to

Similar to 'greater likelihood', but uses a slightly different wording.

FAQs

How can I use "a higher propensity for" in a sentence?

You can use "a higher propensity for" to indicate that a particular group is more likely to exhibit a certain behavior or trait. For example, "Individuals with a family history of heart disease have "a higher propensity for" developing the condition themselves".

What are some alternatives to "a higher propensity for"?

Some alternatives include "a greater likelihood of", "a greater tendency toward", or "an increased susceptibility to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "higher propensity to" instead of "a higher propensity for"?

While "higher propensity to" might be understood, ""a higher propensity for"" is the more grammatically standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What's the difference between "a higher propensity for" and "a higher potential for"?

"A higher propensity for" suggests an increased likelihood based on existing tendencies, while "a higher potential for" indicates a greater capacity or possibility for something to develop or occur.