apt to

USAGE SUMMARY

"apt to" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used when something is likely to happen, or when someone is prone to doing something. For example, "He is apt to arrive late for work every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Readers aren't apt to disagree.

The New York Times - Books

We're not apt to disagree.

The New York Times

Progress, however, is apt to come slowly.

The New York Times - Sports

That is not apt to happen.

The New York Times

Nor is his show apt to inflame.

The New Yorker

Mr. Beckerman wasn't apt to disagree.

The New York Times - Food

They are more apt to stay sound.

The New York Times

Chicago's suburbs are apt to swing.

The Economist

Her husband seemed apt to agree.

The New York Times - Food

It's apt to cook up resentment.

The New York Times

And they're more apt to live alone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apt to" to indicate a natural tendency or probability, ensuring it aligns with the subject's characteristics or the context's conditions. For instance, "Students are apt to perform better when they are well-rested."

Common error

Avoid using "apt to" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. More direct alternatives like "likely to" or "tends to" often provide a clearer and more concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apt to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. Ludwig AI confirms it’s used to express probability or natural tendency. It often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a predisposition or likelihood towards a particular action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apt to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a likelihood or tendency, confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its usage is more common in general writing and news media than in highly formal or scientific contexts. Alternatives like "likely to" and "tends to" offer similar meanings but may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember that using "apt to" effectively involves understanding the nuance of probability and context, ensuring your writing remains clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to

Indicates a high probability of something happening; similar in meaning but more direct.

prone to

Suggests a susceptibility or inclination towards something, often negative.

inclined to

Implies a natural tendency or willingness to do something.

liable to

Indicates a risk or potential for something, often undesirable, to happen.

subject to

Suggests that something is conditional or dependent on something else.

tends to

Describes a habitual or frequent behavior.

disposed to

Implies a predisposition or readiness towards something.

susceptible to

Highlights a vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

given to

Suggests a habitual or characteristic behavior, often negative.

wont to

Describes a customary or habitual action, but is more archaic.

FAQs

What does "apt to" mean?

"Apt to" means likely or having a natural tendency to do something. It suggests a probability based on circumstances or inherent qualities.

How can I use "apt to" in a sentence?

You can use "apt to" to describe someone's typical behavior or a probable outcome. For example, "He is "prone to" forget his keys", or "The weather is "likely to" change soon".

Which is better, "apt to" or "likely to"?

Both "apt to" and "likely to" are correct, but "likely to" is generally more common and versatile. "Apt to" often implies a more inherent tendency, while "likely to" simply suggests a high probability.

What are some alternatives to "apt to"?

Alternatives to "apt to" include "inclined to", "liable to", "prone to", and "tends to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.