are apt to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are apt to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that something is likely to happen or be true, usually because of certain circumstances. For example, "In these challenging times, organizations are apt to cut costs and restructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chicago's suburbs are apt to swing.

The Economist

"Nostalgia," we are apt to label this phenomenon.

The New Yorker

Cultural barriers are apt to distort what is heard.

The New York Times

SOME plays are apt to induce guilt in theatergoers.

The New York Times

As Asia struggles back, oil prices are apt to firm.

The New York Times

They are apt to invest minimal effort in civic competence.

The Washington Post

Rooms here are apt to be booked months in advance.

The New York Times - Travel

Dressing rooms are apt to lose respect for sorrowful bosses.

The Guardian - Sport

Today's customers are apt to be more impatient, too.

The New York Times

Media consumers are apt to think that they know.

The New York Times

They are apt to come right out with it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are apt to" when you want to suggest a natural tendency or a likely outcome based on certain circumstances. It's more formal than "likely to" and can add a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are apt to" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "likely to" or "tend to" might be more appropriate and natural in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are apt to" functions as a modal expression indicating a tendency or likelihood. As shown in Ludwig, it suggests that something is prone to happen or be true under specific circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are apt to" is a versatile expression used to indicate likelihood or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing. Ludwig's examples reveal its frequent use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal tone. While "are likely to" or "tend to" can serve as alternatives, "are apt to" adds a nuanced layer of sophistication and precision to your writing. Remember to reserve it for contexts where a formal tone is appropriate to avoid sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are likely to

Indicates a high probability of something occurring, similar to "are apt to" but with a stronger emphasis on likelihood.

are inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or tendency towards a particular behavior or outcome, focusing on inclination rather than just possibility.

tend to

Implies a habitual or frequent occurrence, suggesting a pattern rather than a one-time event.

are prone to

Highlights a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, often negative.

are liable to

Indicates a legal or financial responsibility, adding a formal or legal connotation.

are subject to

Suggests being under the control or influence of something, implying a lack of agency.

are disposed to

Implies a natural or inherent inclination, focusing on inherent qualities rather than external factors.

are given to

Suggests a habitual or characteristic behavior, often implying a weakness or flaw.

will probably

A simpler way to express likelihood, suitable for informal contexts.

can be expected to

Highlights the anticipation of a particular outcome, often based on established patterns or expectations.

FAQs

What does "are apt to" mean?

The phrase "are apt to" means that something is likely to happen or is inclined to behave in a certain way, given the circumstances.

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

You can use "are apt to" to describe tendencies or probabilities. For example, "Inexperienced climbers "are apt to" underestimate the risks involved".

What can I say instead of "are apt to"?

You can use alternatives like "are likely to", "tend to", or "are inclined to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "are apt to" and "are likely to"?

While both phrases indicate probability, "are apt to" often implies a natural tendency or inherent characteristic, whereas "are likely to" simply suggests a high probability of occurrence.