a powerful inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong tendency or urge towards a particular behavior or thought. Example: "She felt a powerful inclination to pursue her dreams, despite the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It shouldn't come as a surprise that a trained dog has a powerful inclination to do what we secretly want them to do.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Her powerful inclination was to make up a better-days-ahead story.

The Guardian - Books

In the autobiographical section of the document, Sor Juana traces the many obstacles that her powerful "inclination to letters" had forced her to surmount throughout her life.

Britannica

But, if journalists enjoy being raffish and self-mocking, what explains our equally powerful inclination (especially in the United States) to bang on portentously about the Founders, the First Amendment, the Fourth Estate, and the people's right to know?

The New Yorker

His policy was to make every possible use of Caesar's adopted son Octavian (the future emperor Augustus), whose mature intelligence he seriously underestimated, and to drive the Senate, against its own powerful inclination toward compromise, to declare war on Mark Antony, who had controlled events immediately following Caesar's death and who now was pursuing one of the assassins in Cisalpine Gaul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"While right-to-buy remains a powerful symbol, there's an inclination for people in No 10 to fight for its continuation," Sampson says.

The Guardian

If there is in some of us a powerful urge to dominate, there is in others an inclination -- perhaps even a desire -- to submit.

The Washington Post

The black box nature of these companies leaves them especially vulnerable to conspiracy mongering: Where information is scarce, speculation becomes that much more powerful, an inclination that Republicans have learned to exploit.

The Washington Post

Combining the real world with make-believe is a powerful form of engagement and provides a means to educate by tapping into children's natural inclination to learn by doing.

Forbes

A powerful federal consumer agency that could be muzzled under President-elect Donald J. Trump is showing no inclination of backing down yet.

The New York Times

He is a powerful, powerful drummer.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful inclination", consider the context and whether a more specific term like "urge", "desire", or "tendency" might be more appropriate for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a powerful inclination" too frequently in formal writing; it can sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "strong tendency" or "deep urge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful inclination" functions as a noun phrase, where "inclination" is the head noun modified by the adjective "powerful". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is used to describe a strong tendency or urge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a powerful inclination" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong tendency or urge. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively rare. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias and media contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. For alternative expressions, consider "a strong tendency" or "a deep urge", depending on the desired nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and clarity of your writing, considering more specific terms for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong tendency

Replaces "inclination" with "tendency" emphasizing a general leaning towards something; "powerful" becomes "strong".

a deep urge

Substitutes "inclination" with "urge" to highlight a compelling impulse; "powerful" becomes "deep".

an intense desire

Uses "desire" instead of "inclination" to focus on wanting something strongly; "powerful" becomes "intense".

a compelling drive

Replaces "inclination" with "drive" emphasizing motivation; "powerful" becomes "compelling".

an irresistible urge

Emphasizes the difficulty of resisting the urge; "powerful" becomes "irresistible".

a pronounced leaning

Focuses on a clear preference or bias; "inclination" is replaced with "leaning", and "powerful" with "pronounced".

a magnetic pull

Uses a metaphor to describe the attraction; substitutes "inclination" with "pull" and "powerful" with "magnetic".

a strong disposition

Focuses on inherent qualities or nature; replaces "inclination" with "disposition", and "powerful" with "strong".

a potent instinct

Highlights an innate behavioral pattern or drive; replaces "inclination" with "instinct", and "powerful" with "potent".

an overwhelming temptation

Focuses on the allure and difficulty of resisting something; replaces "inclination" with "temptation", and "powerful" with "overwhelming".

FAQs

What does "a powerful inclination" mean?

The phrase "a powerful inclination" signifies a very strong tendency, urge, or desire to do something. It suggests a compelling internal force driving someone towards a particular action or thought.

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

You can use "a powerful inclination" to describe someone's strong leaning towards something. For example, "She had "a powerful inclination" to help others, leading her to volunteer at the local shelter."

What are some alternatives to "a powerful inclination"?

Alternatives to "a powerful inclination" include phrases like "a strong tendency", "a deep urge", or "an intense desire", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a powerful inclination" formal or informal?

The phrase "a powerful inclination" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in more formal writing, consider whether a more precise term would be more appropriate.