a small inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slight tendency or preference towards something. Example: "She had a small inclination to favor classical music over modern genres."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

An inclined borehole model with a small inclination angle is not recommended for use in the model experiment, and an appropriate COFT material and borehole size should be selected according to the actual circumstances.

CATENA

The rods are oriented with a small inclination to grain, which prevents potential development of shrinkage cracks along the rods.

Engineering Structures

Friction on rolling angle, rolling resistance, and rolling condition with slip of liquid marbles were also investigated in terms of particles and a design guideline on optimizing a particle size and an inclination angle (using fine particles and a small inclination angle) was presented.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Furthermore, the distribution pattern was different between the typical late-successional species (Kitagawa et al. 2014): F. crenata preferred stable ground with a small inclination, but A. firma had a biased distribution to south-facing slopes with deep soils.

AoB PLANTS

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It should be noted that a robotic structure with a smaller height to length aspect ratio would have a smaller inclination range, thus limiting the choice of optimal body inclinations.

Robotics and Biomimetics

For a THAI pattern with greater injector/producer spacing, a smaller inclination angle of the coke zone occurs and the likelihood of oxygen breakthrough to the horizontal production well is lessened.

Energy

Moreover, the proposed system can set the imprint inclined plane in small inclination angle and accurate control pressure of 9 × 9 grid areas to achieve novel imprinting process of microstructures.

Optik

The responses of the cylinder with a small backward inclination are significantly larger, whereas the cylinder with a large backward inclination exhibits lower responses than those of the vertical case.

European Journal of Mechanics - B-Fluids

As a result, for stairs with relatively small inclination, it is possible to assess whether they can be traversed by the robot based on the robot's centroid, the length of track, inclination, and the pitch between the edges of the stairs.

ROBOMECH Journal

The start-up time of heat pipes with filling ratios ranged between 50 and 70% in the evaporation section increased with the increase of the filling ratio and heating temperature, but the small inclination angle had a negative effect on the start-up performance.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The galloping amplitude of the cylinder with a small backward inclination angle is significantly larger than that of the vertical cylinder, whereas the cylinder with a large backward inclination angle exhibits a lower amplitude.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing angles or physical orientations, use "a small inclination" to indicate a slight deviation from a horizontal or vertical plane. This provides a clear and concise way to express minor angular differences.

Common error

Avoid using "a small inclination" when a stronger term like "preference" or "tendency" is more appropriate. "Inclination" suggests a subtle leaning, not a firm decision or strong desire.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small inclination" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various domains, indicating its role in describing a slight tendency, preference, or angle.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

12.5%

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small inclination" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a slight tendency, preference, or angle. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts, although it is not a particularly frequent expression. As shown in the examples, the phrase is more suited to neutral and formal registers, particularly in scientific and technical domains. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a subtle leaning rather than a strong conviction. Alternative phrases like "a slight tendency" or "a gentle slope" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. Common writing errors involve using "a small inclination" when a stronger expression is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight tendency

Focuses on the mild nature of the tendency.

a minor preference

Emphasizes the low importance of the preference.

a gentle slope

Highlights the gradual change in angle.

a mild bias

Indicates a subtle prejudice or leaning.

a fractional angle

Highlights that the angle is a small fraction of a circle.

a diminutive slant

Implies that slant is so little that is almost unnoticeable.

a trace of preference

Focuses on the minimal and detectable quality of the preference.

a hint of proclivity

Highlights that the proclivity is just a hint of a feeling.

a touch of bend

Suggests a curvature of minor proportion.

an almost flat gradient

Implies the gradient is very low.

FAQs

How can I use "a small inclination" in a sentence?

You can use "a small inclination" to describe a slight preference or angle. For example, "The study showed "a small inclination" towards using renewable energy sources."

What phrases are similar to "a small inclination"?

Alternatives include "a slight tendency", "a minor preference", or "a gentle slope" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "small inclination" or "slight inclination"?

Both "small inclination" and "slight inclination" are acceptable, but "small inclination" is more commonly used when referring to angles or physical orientations. "Slight inclination" is more often used for preferences or tendencies.

When is it inappropriate to use "a small inclination"?

It's inappropriate to use "a small inclination" when describing a strong preference or a significant angle. Use more definitive terms like "strong preference" or "steep angle" instead.