a proclivity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proclivity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural inclination or tendency towards something, often in a positive or neutral context. Example: "She has a proclivity for learning new languages quickly, which has helped her in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And Bertie had a proclivity for it.

The New York Times - Books

She had a proclivity for using fancy words.

The New Yorker

He showed a proclivity for drawing early on.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But isn't a preoccupation with weapons itself evidence of a proclivity for violence?

The New Yorker

He's a better man than I. Does a proclivity for puns arise from frequent meat consumption?

The New York Times - Style

But it soon becomes apparent that he has a proclivity for substituting hyperbole for insight.

The New York Times - Books

Slash comes across as a nice guy with a proclivity, sometimes toxic, for getting into trouble.

The New York Times - Books

Shostakovich's "band" has an edge of nastiness and a proclivity toward hysteria.

The New York Times

Such a proclivity makes Radke-Yarrow's 23-year longitudinal psychological study into the effects of maternal depression oddly refreshing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Bloomberg has demonstrated a proclivity for relying on outside expertise, particularly for projects involving modern technology.

The New York Times

Barack Obama and the Chinese have both shown a proclivity to blaming strangers but that seems to be merely rhetorical.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a particularly strong or noticeable tendency, consider pairing "a proclivity" with an adjective to emphasize the degree, such as "a strong proclivity" or "a marked proclivity".

Common error

While "a proclivity" and "a propensity" are similar, "proclivity" often implies a more inherent or natural inclination, whereas "propensity" can refer to a learned or acquired tendency. Consider the context carefully.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a proclivity" is as a noun phrase, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes a tendency or inclination towards something. Examples show it describing inclinations for various behaviors or attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proclivity" is a noun phrase used to describe a natural inclination or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While similar to "propensity", "proclivity" often implies a more inherent inclination. When writing, remember to use "a proclivity for" followed by the object of the inclination. Alternatives like "a tendency" or "an inclination" can be used for a more general or less formal tone. Ultimately, "a proclivity" offers a nuanced way to express inherent tendencies in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a propensity

This alternative is nearly synonymous, but might suggest a slightly stronger tendency.

a tendency

This alternative is more general and less formal.

an inclination

This alternative suggests a leaning or preference, similar to proclivity.

a predilection

This alternative suggests a preference or special liking for something.

a predisposition

This alternative implies a built-in or natural tendency.

a penchant

This alternative suggests a strong liking or fondness.

a bent

This alternative suggests a natural skill or talent.

a leaning

This alternative suggests a slight preference or inclination.

an aptitude

This alternative means a natural ability to do something.

a weakness

This alternative often suggests a negative or undesirable inclination.

FAQs

How to use "a proclivity" in a sentence?

You can use "a proclivity" to describe a natural inclination or tendency towards something. For example, "He has "a proclivity" for getting into trouble", or "She has "a proclivity" for learning languages quickly".

What can I say instead of "a proclivity"?

You can use alternatives like "a tendency", "an inclination", or "a predisposition depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "a proclivity for" or "a proclivity to"?

"A proclivity for" is generally considered the correct and more common usage when referring to a tendency towards something. While "a proclivity to" might be encountered, it is less standard.

What's the difference between "a proclivity" and "a propensity"?

Both "a proclivity" and "a propensity" refer to tendencies, but "a proclivity" often suggests a more natural or inherent inclination, while "a propensity" can refer to a learned or acquired tendency.