are apt to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are apt to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a likelihood or tendency for something to occur or be true. Example: "Children are apt to be more curious than adults, often asking numerous questions about the world around them."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rooms here are apt to be booked months in advance.

The New York Times - Travel

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

The New York Times

And the things you can't grasp are apt to be the things you dislike.

The New Yorker

This means imported species are apt to be carrying particularly heavy pathogen loads.

Yale University

Selenologists gather frequently at conventions, which are apt to be stormy.

The New Yorker

Genetic alternatives are apt to be far more effective, though they may be some years away.

The New York Times - Health

Today's neighborhood signs are apt to be in Spanish or Chinese.

The New York Times - Books

Barring bombshells any future surprises are apt to be minor: not revelations, just minutiae.

The New York Times - Arts

The right never forgets that procedures and institutions are apt to be contested and revised.

The Guardian - Opinion

Novelists (at least male ones) are apt to be mean-spirited about dog's cocks.

The Guardian - Books

His own critiques are apt to be more exacting than the critics', and also more constructive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are apt to be" to express a natural tendency or likelihood based on the nature of the subject, ensuring the context supports this inherent characteristic. For instance, "Details are apt to be forgotten over time" indicates a characteristic of human memory.

Common error

Avoid using "are apt to be" when you intend to express absolute certainty. This phrase conveys a degree of probability, not a guaranteed outcome. Use stronger language for definitive statements, e.g., “will be” or “is”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are apt to be" functions as a modal expression indicating a tendency or likelihood. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests a probability for something to occur or to be true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are apt to be" is a versatile expression used to indicate a likelihood or tendency, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a modal expression to convey a degree of probability without asserting absolute certainty. While grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, including News & Media, Science and Academia, it's essential to avoid overstating certainty and to consider simpler alternatives in very casual contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it suitable for diverse writing scenarios. For situations needing a more direct language, consider alternatives such as "are likely to be" or "tend to be".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are likely to be

Uses 'likely' instead of 'apt', indicating a high probability.

are inclined to be

Focuses on a predisposition or tendency towards something.

are prone to be

Suggests a vulnerability or susceptibility to something.

are apt to become

Emphasizes the process of becoming, rather than a current state.

are bound to be

Implies a sense of inevitability or certainty.

are expected to be

Highlights an anticipation or expectation.

are wont to be

Indicates a habitual or customary tendency.

are liable to be

Suggests a risk or potential for something negative.

are destined to be

Implies a predetermined or fated outcome.

will probably be

A more direct and simple expression of probability.

FAQs

What does "are apt to be" mean?

The phrase "are apt to be" means likely or having a tendency to be. It suggests a probability or inclination for something to occur or be in a certain state.

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

You can use "are apt to be" to indicate a likely outcome or characteristic. For example: "Mistakes "are apt to be" made when rushing."

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

You can use alternatives like "are likely to be", "tend to be", or "are prone to be" depending on the context.

Is "are apt to be" formal or informal?

The phrase "are apt to be" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual settings, simpler alternatives like "probably are" may be preferred.