a strong propensity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong propensity for" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong inclination or readiness for doing something. For example: After studying abroad, he had a strong propensity for trying new and different foods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The result is a strong propensity for holding grudges.

The Guardian - Opinion

I say "curiously" because until now Nuland has been a writer with a strong propensity for facing unpleasant facts and passing them along to his readers without trimmings.

The New York Times - Books

He said some of arrests demonstrated that Mr. Dorismond had "a strong propensity for violence" that was relevant to the question of what had happened on Eighth Avenue between Mr. Dorismond and the police officers.

The New York Times

"There's no doubt that there's a strong propensity for money to find the unregulated outlet," said Frank J. Sorauf, an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Minnesota.

The New York Times

"Observers of the markets have for many years noticed a strong propensity for stocks to rise in the period between Christmas and the New Year and this phenomenon appears to be playing out once more," Cheetham said.

The Guardian - Business

"There is evidence, again evidence -- not yet decided," Mr. Giuliani said, "that he engaged in an assault, that he engaged in the activity that caused the shooting and that he had up until a week or a week and half ago indicated a strong propensity for doing that, including punching his girlfriend in the face" as she held their 3-year-old child.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The largest changes occur in the C-terminal end of H1, which becomes more dynamic in S1R Δ35), and residues 160 164, which have a stronger propensity for an extended conformation in S1R Δ35) (Fig. 2).

FEBS Letters

PiRNAs have essentially no known defining sequence characteristics beyond a very strong propensity for a 5′-uridine and a weaker bias toward an adenosine at position 10.

Briefings in Functional Genomics

Cytokeratin 3, while having been identified in a number of different tissues, has a known strong propensity for expression in corneal epithelial tissue [ 16, 17].

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

That the haplochromines have a particularly strong propensity for explosive speciation among cichlids is best illustrated by their unparalleled species-richness and diversity.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

They have a strong propensity to save their money for future needs and to invest in the education of their siblings and children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong propensity for" to highlight a notable inclination or readiness for something, often based on inherent qualities or past experiences. It's useful when describing predictable behaviors or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong propensity for" in very casual writing or conversation. Simpler alternatives like "a strong tendency" or "a strong inclination" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong propensity for" functions as a noun phrase that describes a notable tendency or inclination toward something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a predictable leaning based on inherent qualities or past experiences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strong propensity for" is a grammatically correct and useful expression for denoting a significant inclination or tendency. While it appears more frequently in formal contexts such as science, news, and business, Ludwig AI confirms its suitability for written English. When considering alternatives, aim for similar meanings like "a strong inclination for" or "a strong tendency toward", but be mindful of the subtle differences in nuance and register. Avoid overuse in casual settings and use it to highlight predictable behaviors or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong inclination for

Replaces 'propensity' with 'inclination', indicating a leaning or tendency.

a strong tendency toward

Uses 'tendency' and 'toward' to convey a similar sense of leaning in a specific direction.

a marked predilection for

Replaces 'propensity' with 'predilection' and adds 'marked' for emphasis, suggesting a preference.

a notable readiness for

Emphasizes the 'readiness' or willingness aspect of having a propensity.

a distinct proneness to

Highlights the 'proneness' aspect, implying a likelihood or susceptibility.

a considerable aptitude for

Focuses on having a natural 'aptitude' or skill toward something.

a significant disposition to

Replaces 'propensity' with 'disposition', indicating an inherent quality.

a powerful leaning toward

Uses 'leaning' and 'powerful' to suggest a strong inclination.

a great susceptibility to

Emphasizes the aspect of being easily affected or influenced by something.

a high likelihood of

Shifts the focus to the probability or chance of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong propensity for" in a sentence?

Use "a strong propensity for" to describe a marked inclination or tendency towards something. For example: "The data indicates that children have "a strong propensity for" imitation."

What's the difference between "a strong propensity for" and "a strong inclination for"?

While similar, "a strong propensity for" often suggests a more inherent or predictable tendency, while "a strong inclination for" may imply a more conscious preference or leaning.

Are there simpler alternatives to "a strong propensity for"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "a strong tendency for", "a strong leaning toward", or "a strong inclination for", depending on the desired nuance and formality.

Is "a strong propensity for" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a strong propensity for" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or scientific contexts. However, be mindful of overuse and consider simpler alternatives if appropriate.