a propensity toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a propensity toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural inclination or tendency someone has towards a particular behavior or characteristic. Example: "She has a propensity toward helping others, which makes her an excellent volunteer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

and a propensity toward criminal behavior.

The New York Times - Science

We know some antisocial behaviors — drug addiction, alcoholism, a propensity toward violence — have genetic components.

The New York Times

They were, generally, in favor of order and had a propensity toward the broadly normative, a certain squareness.

The New Yorker

Other methods involve giving a wolf with a propensity toward beef or lamb a "RAG box," a radio-activated guard.

The New York Times - Science

If a propensity toward religious belief is "hard-wired" in the brain, as it is sometimes said to be, the wiring has evidently become frayed.

The New Yorker

The report accused the soldiers' commanders in Kosovo of displaying a "propensity toward Serb favoritism" and an overly hostile attitude toward Kosovo's Albanians.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is expected, every thing else being equal, that a substate with a lower C2=O stretch will have a greater propensity toward on-enzyme chemistry.

Biochemistry

The adjustment to the mutual information proposed by Dunn et al. (2008) is based on the idea that the average entropy of each position in an alignment gives each position a particular propensity toward mutual information.

Bioinformatics

Ethnographic research carried out during the early phases of the 1993 cohort showed that a distinct group of mothers had a particular propensity toward actively seeking medicalization (28, 29).

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

One result is a heightened propensity toward catastrophic wildfire, requiring additional and sustained state intervention to maintain an imposed and unstable equilibrium.

Political Geography

The talks are intricate even by Iraq's standards, with its distinctive mix of the intimate and the combustible, where bargaining shows a remarkable propensity toward deadlock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a propensity toward", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific behavior, characteristic, or outcome the subject is inclined towards. For example, "a propensity toward risk-taking" is more informative than simply "a propensity".

Common error

Avoid using "a propensity toward" without specifying what the propensity is for. For example, instead of saying "He has a propensity", specify "He has a propensity toward impulsive decisions" to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a propensity toward" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a tendency or inclination in a particular direction. Ludwig demonstrates its frequent use in various contexts to denote a leaning or disposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a propensity toward" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a tendency or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in diverse contexts ranging from scientific literature to news articles. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify the object of the propensity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a tendency to" or "an inclination for" can be used to add nuance. Be mindful of the formality level, as while versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tendency to

Focuses on the general inclination or habit without necessarily implying a predisposition.

an inclination for

Highlights a leaning or preference, often suggesting a positive or favorable disposition.

a proclivity for

Implies a natural or habitual inclination, often stronger than a simple tendency.

a predisposition to

Suggests a prior tendency or susceptibility, often due to inherent qualities or past experiences.

a bent for

Indicates a natural talent or aptitude, often implying a skill or interest.

a leaning toward

Emphasizes a slight inclination or preference, often tentative or not fully developed.

a weakness for

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability, often implying a lack of resistance.

a fondness for

Suggests an affection or liking, often associated with positive emotions or attachments.

a habit of

Focuses on a recurring behavior or practice, often without implying a conscious choice.

an affinity for

Highlights a natural liking or attraction, often suggesting a deep connection or understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "a propensity toward" to describe a natural inclination or tendency. For example, "She has "a propensity toward optimism", even in difficult situations."

What are some alternatives to "a propensity toward"?

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

Is it correct to say "propensity to" instead of "a propensity toward"?

While "propensity to" is also correct, "a propensity toward" often implies a directional leaning. "propensity to" is more general, referring to a tendency without a specific direction.

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

"A propensity toward" suggests a general tendency or inclination, while "a predisposition to" implies a pre-existing susceptibility or likelihood, often due to genetic or environmental factors.