are not given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone does not possess a particular quality or tendency. Example: "They are not given to making hasty decisions without considering all the facts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But they are not given to children.

The Guardian

The actual names are not given to any campaign.

The New York Times

Greek presidents are not given to speaking off the cuff.

The Guardian

We are not given to theatrical rantings about falling skies.

The Guardian

The Territorian termites are not given to such public displays.

Independent

These are complicated and difficult and are not given to tidy just-so solutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Sotomayor is not given to niceties.

The New Yorker

Saban is not given to modest ambitions.

The New Yorker

Fraenkel was not given to introspection.

The New Yorker

But they were not given to conversation.

The New Yorker

And Ancelotti is not given to hyperbole.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are not given to" to describe inherent qualities or typical behaviors that someone or something does not exhibit. It's often used to convey a sense of restraint or a lack of inclination towards something.

Common error

Avoid using "are not given to" to describe temporary states or choices. It's more appropriate for inherent characteristics or ingrained habits rather than specific, one-time decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not given to" functions as a qualifier, indicating a lack of inclination or tendency. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to describe groups or individuals and their general behavioral patterns or lack thereof. It demonstrates what they do not typically do.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not given to" effectively conveys a lack of inclination or tendency. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news, media, and scientific contexts. Use it to describe inherent qualities rather than temporary situations. Alternatives include ""are not inclined to"" or "do not tend to", depending on the desired nuance. Remember, this phrase offers a nuanced way to express that something is not typical or expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not inclined to

Indicates a lack of willingness or natural tendency, similar to "are not given to" but emphasizes volition.

do not tend to

Suggests a general absence of a particular behavior or characteristic; more direct than "are not given to".

are not prone to

Implies a lack of susceptibility or vulnerability to something; focuses on potential outcomes.

are not predisposed to

Highlights an absence of inherent qualities or factors that would lead to a particular behavior or state.

lack the tendency to

Emphasizes the absence of a natural inclination or habit towards something.

are not liable to

Suggests a lack of likelihood or responsibility for something.

are not susceptible to

Implies a resistance or immunity to a particular influence or effect.

do not have a habit of

Focuses on the absence of a recurring behavior or practice.

are not in the habit of

Similar to 'do not have a habit of' but slightly more formal.

are not known for

Indicates that a specific trait or action is not commonly associated with the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "are not given to" in a sentence?

Use "are not given to" to describe a lack of inclination or tendency towards something. For example, "Engineers "are not given to" emotion" means engineers generally don't show their emotions easily.

What does "are not given to" mean?

"Are not given to" means someone or something does not naturally or typically do something. It suggests a lack of inclination or predisposition. It's similar to saying someone "are not inclined to" something.

What are some alternatives to "are not given to"?

Some alternatives include "do not tend to", ""are not inclined to"", or "are not prone to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are not given to" or "do not tend to"?

Both "are not given to" and "do not tend to" are correct, but "are not given to" can sound more formal or literary. "Do not tend to" is generally more straightforward and common in everyday speech.