an inclination for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inclination for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a tendency or preference towards something. Example: "She has an inclination for classical music, often attending concerts and recitals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"We don't have an inclination for romantic music," he said.

The New York Times

"He didn't have much of an inclination for pragmatic, tactical politics, and that was his weakness".

The New York Times

Leading the team is the captain, Caroline Seger, 26, a midfielder with an inclination for goals.

The New York Times

The theory that people have a built-in death drive, an inclination for self-destruction, comes from Freud.

The New York Times - Books

To Coen and Nadler, TV and film journalists with an inclination for "conspiracy chasing," the resolution of the investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks was fishy.

The New York Times - Books

The South, like certain post-Soviet republics, has long had an inclination for the autocrat, the personality cult, the Big Daddy.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The data was reduced to the pole assuming a declination of −3° and an inclination of −10° for this region.

Geothermal Energy

Estimating an inclination correction for Gondwana sedimentary rock-derived paleopoles permits a Pangea A-type assemblage at higher southern latitudes than previous reconstructions, which we term Pangea A3.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Also, with increased education at the community level comes an increased inclination for exodus to urban centers.

Huffington Post

It evaluates the energy required for the formation of the microRNA:mRNA duplex from a completely dissociated state – a more negative value indicates a larger inclination for the two RNAs to bind.

Plosone

Late-19th-century medical literature described female "inverts" as appallingly straightforward, with a "dislike and sometimes incapacity for needlework" and "an inclination and taste for the sciences"; male inverts were "entirely averse to outdoor games".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inclination for" when you want to express a mild preference or tendency, without implying a strong commitment or passion. For example, "He has an inclination for jazz music, but he also enjoys other genres."

Common error

Avoid using "an inclination for" when describing strong passions or deeply held beliefs. Opt for stronger terms like "passion for" or "devotion to" to accurately convey the intensity of the feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inclination for" functions as a noun phrase indicating a tendency, preference, or leaning towards something. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe someone's preferences or inherent qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inclination for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a mild preference, tendency, or disposition towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers various examples from reputable sources, including news media, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While not as strong as "a passion for", it effectively conveys a leaning towards a particular interest or activity. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure the degree of preference is accurately represented. Alternatives such as "a preference for" or "a tendency towards" can be used for semantic variance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preference for

This alternative emphasizes a choice or favor towards something.

a liking for

This alternative expresses a feeling of enjoyment or fondness.

a tendency towards

This alternative suggests a leaning or predisposition.

a leaning toward

This alternative indicates a directional preference.

a proclivity for

This alternative indicates a natural inclination or habit.

a taste for

This alternative implies a cultivated appreciation.

a bent for

This alternative implies a natural talent or aptitude.

an affinity for

This alternative suggests a natural connection or sympathy.

a predisposition to

This alternative suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability.

a disposition for

This alternative signifies an inherent quality or character.

FAQs

How can I use "an inclination for" in a sentence?

"An inclination for" expresses a mild preference or tendency. For example, "She has an inclination for classical music."

What can I say instead of "an inclination for"?

You can use alternatives like "a preference for", "a tendency towards", or "a proclivity for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "inclination to" instead of "an inclination for"?

While both can be correct, "an inclination for" is typically used with nouns or gerunds (e.g., "an inclination for music", "an inclination for reading"), whereas "an inclination to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "an inclination to agree").

What's the difference between "an inclination for" and "a passion for"?

"An inclination for" suggests a mild preference, while "a passion for" indicates a strong, intense enthusiasm or love.