a personal inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

"a personal inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when a person has their own opinion about a particular subject or action. For example, "I have a personal inclination to go to the movies on Friday nights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was both a personal inclination and his mandate as a spy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In recent years, communication has been considered not only a matter of professional experience or personal inclination but also a set of behaviors that can be taught and learned [ 3].

BMC Medical Education

A similar blend of personal inclination and period decorum kept him from having sexual relations with those in his social circle.

Wikipedia

It will take years to judge the effectiveness of the external action service.A not-so-high representativeBy both her mandate and her personal inclination, Lady Ashton is a servant of national governments.

The Economist

He remains an iconic figure, even if there is less personal inclination to dwell on his past.

Independent

In addition, the GarlicESTdb makes it possible to manage annotation data in a manner that can be readily changed according to personal inclination, as well as to access abundant and valuable EST information.

BMC Plant Biology

There is still room enough inside this commonplace observation for an author to fill it with tragedy or satire, according to personal inclination.

The New York Times - Books

Although Frederick's policy was opportunistic, it was motivated by political necessity and personal inclination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maybe it was Clooney's looks rather than personal inclination that thrust these roles upon him.

The Guardian - Film

His own personal inclination may have been to linger longer, but his son's activities may have hastened his departure.

Independent

An obvious comparison is to India's Rahul Gandhi, another politician who appears to owe his position more to dynastic clout than to personal inclination.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a personal inclination", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose inclination you are referring to, especially if it's not immediately obvious from the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "a personal inclination" when you mean to convey a duty or obligation. Inclination suggests a preference, not a requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a personal inclination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes someone's individual tendency or preference. In essence, it pinpoints an inherent leaning or disposition.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a personal inclination" is a noun phrase used to describe an individual's tendency or preference, as highlighted by Ludwig. Although examples are rare, Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness for both formal and informal use. When writing, remember that it indicates a natural leaning rather than an obligation. Related phrases like "a personal leaning" or "a natural tendency" can provide alternative expressions. The versatility of this phrase makes it a useful addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a personal leaning

Similar to inclination, but slightly less formal.

a natural tendency

Focuses on an inherent predisposition rather than a consciously chosen preference.

a strong disposition

Emphasizes a settled habit of mind or character.

a distinct preference

Highlights a clear and noticeable liking for something.

a particular fondness

Suggests a warm and affectionate liking.

a characteristic bent

Implies a specific and identifiable leaning or direction.

an individual taste

Focuses on subjective liking and aesthetic preference.

a private predilection

Suggests a hidden or secret liking.

a subjective desire

Highlights the personal and emotional basis of the wanting.

a inherent bias

Implies a preformed view

FAQs

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

You can use "a personal inclination" to describe someone's preference or tendency towards something. For example, "Due to his personal inclination, he preferred to work alone."

What's the difference between "a personal inclination" and "a personal preference"?

While similar, "a personal inclination" suggests a natural leaning, while "a personal preference" implies a more conscious choice.

What are some synonyms for "a personal inclination"?

Alternatives include "a personal leaning", "a natural tendency", or "a distinct preference", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use "a personal inclination" in writing?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist, such as "a strong disposition".