a particular inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

"a particular inclination" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is another way of saying "a specific tendency or preference." Example: "John has a particular inclination for spicy food, while Mary prefers more mild flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But lately he has been making his music smaller and more homely, with a particular inclination toward the textures of country and acoustic blues.

The New York Times

Does its perception dictate the sexual role in gay as well as straight relationships, or is it a reflection of a particular inclination?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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Vice

"In his enthusiasm for his new job," the authors write, "Vincent took a characteristically sudden, feverish interest in a subject toward which he had shown no particular inclination before: art".

The New York Times - Books

The man known then as Cardinal Ratzinger wrote in 1986: Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder.

The New York Times

It's that particular inclination of Cattelan's that I find so relatable.

Vice

Apart from his particular inclination towards violence, Academy Award-nominated Paul Verhoeven is mostly known for his utterly provocative and visionary sci-fi movies, dealing with complex issues such as fascism, propaganda, social emancipation, and the alienation of free will.

Vice

A related aspect of Kant's theory of freedom is what Henry Allison calls Kant's "Incorporation Thesis," according to which particular inclinations, impulses, and feelings do not constitute reasons for action unless an agent has a maxim of satisfying them (Allison 1990).

SEP

All this leaves a songwriter like Mr. Adams artistically homeless: he records songs whenever the inspiration strikes, which is often; he is concerned not with consistency or making one song better than the last, but with capturing his mood and inclination at a particular moment; and his best work remains his most downbeat.

The New York Times - Arts

However, he also insisted that we are free to "consent" to the stopping of that inclination at a particular object other than God.

SEP

It's can be frustrating, if you have a partisan inclination toward a particular franchise, because the Spurs are almost certainly a better basketball team than the one you care about.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a particular inclination" to denote a specific preference, bias, or tendency towards something, ensuring clarity in expressing one's leanings.

Common error

Avoid using "a particular inclination" when you actually mean a duty or obligation. Inclination suggests a preference, not a requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a particular inclination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific tendency or preference, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a particular inclination" is a noun phrase used to express a specific tendency or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. Although it appears relatively rarely, it is found in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a leaning or preference, rather than a duty or obligation. Alternatives such as "a specific tendency" or "a special preference" can be used depending on the context. This phrase can enrich your writing by clearly articulating specific tendencies or biases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific tendency

Replaces "inclination" with "tendency", emphasizing a leaning towards a certain behavior or outcome.

a special preference

Substitutes "inclination" with "preference", highlighting a favored choice or liking.

a unique predisposition

Uses "predisposition" instead of "inclination", suggesting an inherent inclination toward something.

a distinct leaning

Employs "leaning" to convey a directional bias or preference.

a marked propensity

Replaces "inclination" with "propensity", indicating a natural tendency to behave in a certain way.

a certain bent

Uses "bent" to describe a natural talent or inclination.

a peculiar fondness

Replaces "inclination" with "fondness", highlighting an affection or liking.

a special aptitude

Substitutes "inclination" with "aptitude", emphasizing a natural ability or talent.

a singular desire

Employs "desire" to convey a strong feeling of wanting something.

a notable proclivity

Replaces "inclination" with "proclivity", indicating a tendency to do something regularly.

FAQs

How can I use "a particular inclination" in a sentence?

You can use "a particular inclination" to describe someone's tendency or preference, for example: "She has a particular inclination toward modern art".

What's the difference between "a particular inclination" and "a particular tendency"?

While both phrases are similar, "a particular inclination" suggests a leaning or preference, while "a particular tendency" implies a habitual pattern of behavior.

Are there any synonyms for "a particular inclination"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a specific preference", "a distinct leaning", or "a marked propensity" as alternatives.

Is it correct to say "an particular inclination" instead of "a particular inclination"?

No, the correct phrasing is "a particular inclination". The indefinite article "a" is used because "particular" begins with a consonant sound.