a propensity to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a propensity to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or state. Example: "She has a propensity to be overly critical of her own work, which often hinders her creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Both sexes showed a propensity to be less active than controls during courtship.

Chemosphere

These stories bear out what research has shown us: Very young children have a propensity to be kind and helpful.

University of California, Berkeley

But some travelers just have a propensity to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The New York Times

Although he would not mention names, Mr. Hevesi and Mr. Green, in particular, have shown a propensity to be, well, talkative.

The New York Times

Deghayes described his youngest brother as funny in private, but said Jaffar was more often forthright and serious, with a propensity to be shy around strangers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"When a person has shown a propensity to violence, a propensity to hitting other people, a propensity to robbery, and to attempted robbery, and a propensity to being involved in drug transactions, that doesn't necessarily answer the whole thing, but these are relevant facts that the people have the right to know," the mayor said after marching in a St . Patricks Day parade in Syracuse.

The New York Times

The dotted structures instead of ring aggregates found in stationary phase indicate a greater propensity to be severed or a lower capacity to polymerize.

Plosone

If you were really concerned about protecting children from a certain group of people known for having a high propensity to be pedophiles, why didn't you pass a bill banning Catholic priests from your restrooms?

Huffington Post

A more positive ΔCp indicates lower stability, and thus a lower propensity to be in the folded state in the water phase [55].

Plosone

Her smile was quick and eager to please, evincing a girlish propensity to be impressed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a neutral or desirable trait, "a propensity to be" is a useful expression. However, for negative traits, consider softer alternatives like "a tendency to be" or specifying contributing factors for clarity and sensitivity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a propensity to be" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tends to be" or "is likely to be" in less formal settings for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a propensity to be" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive. It signifies a tendency or inclination toward a specific state or action. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase appears across diverse contexts to describe inherent inclinations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a propensity to be" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression used to describe a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or state. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, followed by science and academic writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "a tendency to be" or "an inclination to be" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. When writing, be mindful of the context, avoiding over formality in casual settings. It's a valid expression that is recommended for use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tendency to be

Replaces "propensity" with "tendency", offering a more common and straightforward alternative, reducing formality.

an inclination to be

Substitutes "propensity" with "inclination", suggesting a leaning or disposition, which is subtly softer.

a likelihood to be

Changes "propensity" to "likelihood", focusing on the probability of something occurring or being in a certain state.

a readiness to be

Replaces "propensity" with "readiness", indicating a state of preparedness or willingness.

a disposition to be

Substitutes "propensity" with "disposition", highlighting an inherent quality or character that influences behavior.

a bent to be

Uses "bent" instead of "propensity", suggesting a natural talent or inclination in a specific direction.

a proneness to be

Changes "propensity" to "proneness", emphasizing a susceptibility or vulnerability to something.

a vulnerability to be

Replaces "propensity" with "vulnerability", focusing on susceptibility to negative outcomes or influences.

a habit of being

Substitutes "propensity to be" with "habit of being", focusing on an acquired pattern of behavior.

a leaning toward being

Replaces the whole phrase with a more descriptive alternative indicating an attraction or preference.

FAQs

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

Use "a propensity to be" to describe a natural inclination or tendency toward a particular behavior or state. For example: "He has "a propensity to be" late for meetings."

What are some alternatives to "a propensity to be"?

You can use alternatives such as "a tendency to be", "an inclination to be", or "a likelihood to be" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a propensity to be"?

While grammatically correct, "a propensity to be" might sound overly formal in casual contexts. In such situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "tends to be" or "is likely to be."

What is the difference between "a propensity to be" and "a tendency to be"?

Both phrases describe a natural inclination, but "a propensity to be" often suggests a stronger or more inherent inclination than "a tendency to be". The choice depends on the degree of inclination you want to emphasize.