an inclination towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inclination towards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a tendency or preference for something. Example: "She has an inclination towards artistic pursuits, often spending her weekends painting and visiting galleries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

People expected that she would have more of an inclination towards the victim, perhaps to even see herself behind that bathroom door.

The Guardian

Another Lithuanian photographer, Virgilijus Sonta, trained as an electrical engineer, had his first show as a photographer in 1976 and developed an inclination towards Surrealism.

The New York Times - Arts

A show that was perhaps first intended to be a sassy comedy for those with an inclination towards musical theatre has become a phenomenal tribute to the underdog.

Independent

Carswell wrote: "Preparing for the future means putting in place an immigration system capable of saying a cheery, welcoming 'yes' to doctors from Singapore or scientists from south Asia, and a polite 'no, thank you' to someone with a criminal record, or an inclination towards welfare dependence.

The Guardian

Here is a brilliant standalone critical reminiscence of Angela Carter (thought of at Clapham Junction), and another one on JG Ballard (Chelsea Harbour), the memory of whom prompts Sinclair to propose: "Sedentary writers, coming to terms with the unquantifiable mystery of London, discover an inclination towards nihilistic violence".

The Guardian - Books

He takes a double account of motivation from Anselm (1033 1109), who made the distinction between two affections of the will, the affection for advantage (an inclination towards one's own happiness and perfection) and the affection for justice (an inclination towards what is good in itself independent of advantage) (Anselm, De Concordia 3.11, 281 7 10; De Casu Diaboli 12, 255 8 11).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Expenditure Switchers Effect (ESE) "Inclination Towards ASEAN QAB'S".

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

He loved school, became a star debater, and displayed an early inclination towards a political life.

Independent

"There's an automatic inclination towards wanting a bit more cool, but I rather think I'd opt for Joe Pasquale.

The Guardian - Sport

We find remarkably little evidence of any systematic gender differences in preferences, and a general inclination towards an equal distribution of housework; this suggests that the reasons for the gendered division of housework do not derive from gender differences in preferences, and must lie elsewhere.

Social Science Research

The ratio of IL-10 to IFN-γ transcripts was strongly reduced in both CD and T-CD as compared to HC suggesting that although IL-10 expression was also increased there is a significant inclination towards a Th1 response both in untreated and treated CD.

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an inclination towards" to suggest a leaning or preference that isn't necessarily a firm decision. It implies a tendency rather than a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "an inclination towards" when a definite action or decision has already been made. The phrase suggests a tendency, not a completed act.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inclination towards" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition. It typically introduces a direction, preference, or tendency. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inclination towards" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a tendency or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While alternatives like "a tendency to" or "a preference for" exist, "an inclination towards" offers a nuanced way to express a leaning without implying certainty. When writing, remember to use this phrase to suggest a predisposition, not a definitive action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a predisposition for

Emphasizes a pre-existing tendency or susceptibility.

a tendency to

Highlights a habitual or predictable pattern of behavior or thought.

a proclivity for

Suggests a natural or habitual inclination, often towards something specific.

a bent for

Implies a natural talent or aptitude, directing someone towards a particular area.

a leaning toward

Indicates a slight preference or tendency in a particular direction.

a partiality to

Highlights a preference or fondness for something.

a disposition for

Focuses on inherent qualities or temperament that make someone likely to act in a certain way.

a propensity for

Emphasizes a strong natural tendency or inclination.

a fondness for

Expresses a feeling of affection or liking, influencing choices or actions.

a soft spot for

Indicates a particular liking or affection, often unexpected or less rational.

FAQs

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

Use "an inclination towards" to indicate a tendency, preference, or leaning in a particular direction. For example, "He has an inclination towards scientific research" or "She showed an inclination towards helping others".

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

You can use alternatives like "a tendency to", "a preference for", or "a leaning toward" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "inclination to" or "inclination towards"?

"Inclination to" and "inclination towards" are both grammatically correct, but "inclination towards" is often used to indicate a general direction or preference, while "inclination to" might suggest a specific action or behavior. The better choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "an inclination towards" and "an aptitude for"?

"An inclination towards" suggests a preference or tendency, while "an aptitude for" implies a natural talent or ability. You might have an inclination towards painting even if you don't have an aptitude for it. Conversely, you might have an aptitude for math without any inclination towards it.