a propensity to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a propensity to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural inclination or tendency towards a particular behavior or action. Example: "She has a propensity to procrastinate when faced with challenging tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has a propensity to support winners.

The Guardian

Or is just a propensity to get a tattoo enough?

The Guardian

Sonnino also displays a propensity to dwell on human kindness.

The New Yorker

Why is there such a propensity to perpetuate medical inequality?

Princeton University

Larson's role in Short Term 12 shares with Room a propensity to sudden spurts of violence.

The Guardian - Film

"Customers have shown a propensity to get all the service they can from one provider".

The New York Times

For their part, the Palestinians early on demonstrated a propensity to turn down offers of compromise.

The New York Times - Books

His only apparent hint of tension was a propensity to blink frequently.

The New York Times

If they were lax in the midfield, Senegal's Lions showed a propensity to rescue themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

"Synesthetes have a propensity to be unbelievably particular in their experience," he said.

The New Yorker

Hirschman liked to say that he had "a propensity to self-subversion".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a propensity to", ensure that the verb following "to" accurately reflects the intended behavior or action. For example, "a propensity to exaggerate" is clearer than "a propensity to communication".

Common error

Avoid using "a propensity to" in overly casual or informal contexts where simpler terms like "tendency" or "likeliness" would be more suitable. For instance, instead of saying "He has a propensity to be late for parties", opt for "He tends to be late for parties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a propensity to" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It typically introduces a description of someone's natural inclination or tendency toward a specific action or behavior, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a propensity to" is a versatile phrase used to describe a natural inclination or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. While it's generally considered neutral to formal, it's best to avoid using it in overly casual conversations where simpler terms may suffice. Remember to use it with verbs to illustrate intended behavior or actions, and be mindful of its slightly more formal tone. Considering semantically related phrases like ""a tendency to"" or ""an inclination to"" can provide alternative stylistic choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a proclivity for

Uses "proclivity" as a direct synonym, retaining a similar level of formality.

a tendency to

Replaces "propensity" with a more common synonym, slightly altering the tone to be less formal.

an inclination to

Similar to "a tendency to", but may suggest a weaker or more subtle leaning.

a leaning toward

Emphasizes a direction or preference in inclination.

a disposition to

Implies a more inherent or ingrained tendency.

a bent toward

Similar to "a leaning toward", suggesting a natural inclination.

a readiness to

Suggests a willingness or preparedness to do something.

a susceptibility to

Highlights vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

a likelihood of

Shifts the focus to probability rather than inherent tendency.

a habit of

Implies a repeated behavior that may or may not be conscious.

FAQs

How can I use "a propensity to" in a sentence?

Use "a propensity to" to describe someone's natural inclination or tendency to behave in a certain way. For example, "She has "a propensity to procrastinate" when faced with difficult tasks".

What are some alternatives to "a propensity to"?

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

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

"A propensity to" is typically followed by a verb, while "a propensity for" is followed by a noun. For example, "a propensity to procrastinate" versus "a propensity for procrastination".

What's the difference between "a propensity to" and "a predisposition to"?

"A propensity to" suggests a general tendency, while "a predisposition to" implies a stronger, possibly inherent, inclination or vulnerability.