are hardwired for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are hardwired for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe inherent or innate tendencies or capabilities that are built into a system or organism. Example: "Humans are hardwired for social interaction, which is why we seek connections with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Our brains are hardwired for worry and there's good reason why.

University of California, Berkeley

Our species survived for millennia because we are hardwired for safety.

Harvard Business Review

Over the past decade, we have learned how our brains are hardwired for emotional contagion.

Harvard Business Review

Using f.M.R.I. scans, researchers have discovered that certain areas of the brain are hardwired for processing faces.

The New Yorker

"People with ADHD are hardwired for novelty seeking, which until recently was an evolutionary advantage," said Pietrus, speaking at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas.

The Guardian - Tech

"Humans are hardwired for interactional entrainment and solidarity; and this is what makes violence so difficult," writes sociologist Randall Collins in his massive study Violence.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I think we're hardwired for stories.

The Guardian

"I was hardwired for solitary by then," he says.

The New Yorker

Men were hardwired for sleeping around and math, women for monogamy and English.

The New Yorker

And Black just does not work as a romantic lead: his face is hardwired for wacky comedy.

The Guardian - Film

Fortunately, every human being is hardwired for compassion, and with intention and education, that compassion can grow.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing learned behaviors or preferences, avoid using "are hardwired for"; instead, opt for terms like "are conditioned to" or "have learned to".

Common error

Avoid using "are hardwired for" when describing behaviors or preferences that are learned or influenced by culture. This phrase should be reserved for traits that are believed to be innate or deeply ingrained.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are hardwired for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing a subject's inherent predisposition or innate programming towards a particular trait or behavior. As Ludwig AI shows, the examples suggest a biological or deeply ingrained nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

18%

HuffPost

18%

Less common in

Forbes

4%

Science

4%

Vice

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are hardwired for" is a versatile phrase used to denote innate, deeply ingrained traits or behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, including academic research, news reporting, and general communication. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia sources, the phrase asserts that certain characteristics are not learned but are inherent to the subject. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects innate qualities rather than learned behaviors. Alternative phrasing includes "are predisposed to" or "are naturally inclined towards", offering subtle nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are wired to

Shortens the original phrase while retaining the core meaning of an innate connection.

are predisposed to

Replaces "hardwired" with "predisposed", emphasizing a natural inclination rather than an innate design.

are naturally inclined towards

Uses "naturally inclined" to highlight a tendency that arises from inherent nature.

are built for

Suggests a design or structure that makes something naturally suitable for a specific purpose.

are genetically programmed for

Substitutes "hardwired" with "genetically programmed", focusing on a biological basis.

possess an innate ability for

Emphasizes the inherent capability rather than a predetermined behavior.

are inherently designed for

Focuses on the idea of a built-in purpose or function.

are biologically driven to

Highlights the biological factors that motivate certain behaviors.

have a natural propensity for

Uses "propensity" to suggest a natural tendency or inclination.

are instinctively drawn to

Focuses on an intuitive or unconscious attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "are hardwired for" in a sentence?

You can use "are hardwired for" to describe innate human tendencies or capabilities. For example, "Humans "are hardwired for" social interaction and connection."

What can I say instead of "are hardwired for"?

Alternatives include "are predisposed to", "are naturally inclined towards", or "are genetically programmed for" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "are hardwired for" in formal writing?

Yes, "are hardwired for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific or academic contexts, to describe inherent traits or capabilities.

What's the difference between "are hardwired for" and "are conditioned for"?

"Are hardwired for" refers to innate, biological predispositions, whereas "are conditioned for" refers to behaviors or responses learned through experience or training. They describe different origins of behaviors.