a proclivity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proclivity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural inclination or tendency towards something, often in a more formal context. Example: "She has a proclivity for artistic expression, often spending hours painting and drawing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 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

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

The New York Times

The policy questions are: Will a White House with a proclivity for adversarial responses support his diplomatic approach?

The New York Times

Need I say anything about which sex has a proclivity for browsing — an essential element of buying, um, visual art?

The New York Times

He's got a proclivity for staying up late enough to see the really terrible things that go on.

The New York Times

Dr. Frieden said seasonal flu shots did not protect against swine flu but did not create a proclivity for it either.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proclivity for" when you want to describe someone's natural inclination or tendency towards something, especially when that tendency is notable or characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "a proclivity for" when a simple preference would suffice. "Proclivity" suggests a deep-seated inclination, not just a fleeting choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proclivity for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a description of someone's natural inclination or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proclivity for" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe a natural inclination or tendency, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While interchangeable with terms like "tendency" or "inclination", "proclivity" often suggests a deeper-seated and more characteristic trait. When writing, use "a proclivity for" to accurately convey this sense of ingrained inclination, but be mindful that simpler, more direct alternatives might be preferable in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inclination toward

Focuses on a leaning or tendency, often less strong than a proclivity.

a tendency to

Highlights a habitual pattern or likelihood.

a predisposition to

Emphasizes a pre-existing susceptibility or vulnerability.

a leaning toward

Suggests a preference or bias, often subconscious.

a penchant for

Implies a strong liking or fondness.

a bent for

Suggests a natural skill or aptitude.

a weakness for

Indicates a vulnerability or susceptibility, often negative.

a susceptibility to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to influence.

an aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural talent or ability.

an affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or attraction.

FAQs

How to use "a proclivity for" in a sentence?

Use "a proclivity for" to describe a natural tendency or inclination someone has. For example: "He has "a proclivity for violence"".

What can I say instead of "a proclivity for"?

You can use alternatives like "an inclination toward", "a tendency to", or "a penchant for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "proclivity of" instead of "proclivity for"?

While "proclivity" can be followed by different prepositions depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, "a proclivity for" is the most common and widely accepted usage to indicate a general inclination or tendency toward something.

What is the difference between "a propensity for" and "a proclivity for"?

While "a propensity for" and "a proclivity for" are often used interchangeably, "proclivity" often implies a stronger, more ingrained tendency than "propensity".