be apt to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be apt to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate an inclination or likelihood to do something. For example, "People in hot climates tend to be apt to drink more water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would non-professionals be apt to misinterpret the numbers?

The New York Times

It would be apt to mark the anniversary by welcoming Russia back into the European fold.

The Economist

He alone will be apt to see and understand the basis of their illegality.

Cornell University

If we stockholders push ahead, won't they be apt to get sore at our railroad & ride another?

The New Yorker

Indeed, cases like these would be apt to increase intrinsic motivation by increasing the sense of challenge.

Harvard Business Review

So watching a driver take the wrong exit will most likely be apt to elicit such a response.

The New York Times - Health

Admitting I'm on the defensive, I think you'll be apt to agree The second-best things are expensive.

The New York Times

Then computing will have become a true utility and it will no longer be apt to talk of computing clouds, so much as of a computing atmosphere.

The Economist

The mosque was a natural clinic because people would be apt to carry the wounded to a holy place, looking for, at least, distance from the crowd.

The New Yorker

Or to hit shows like "Homeland," whose heroine would be apt to think twice before baring her shoulders in a crowded Beirut market.

The New York Times

At this point it may be apt to bring up the name of Harmony Korine, whose latest project Trash Humpers is released into British cinemas today.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be apt to" when you want to convey a natural tendency or likelihood, ensuring the context clearly supports the reason for this inclination. For example, "Inexperienced climbers are apt to underestimate the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering."

Common error

While "be apt to" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "likely to" or "prone to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be apt to" functions as a modal-like expression indicating a tendency or likelihood. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where something is expected or likely to occur, similar to modal verbs like 'will' or 'should'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be apt to" is a versatile phrase used to express likelihood or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While common across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, it's essential to consider the specific nuance required. Alternatives like "be likely to" or "tend to" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality and specificity. When writing, consider that overuse in formal writing should be avoided to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be likely to

Focuses more on the probability of an event occurring.

be inclined to

Highlights a predisposition or tendency toward something.

tend to

Emphasizes a habitual or common behavior.

be prone to

Suggests a susceptibility to something, often negative.

be liable to

Indicates a legal or situational responsibility or probability.

be subject to

Implies that someone or something is under the control or influence of something else.

be disposed to

Highlights a natural tendency or willingness.

be given to

Similar to "be inclined to" but can also suggest an excessive habit.

have a tendency to

Expresses a general pattern of behavior or occurrence.

be wont to

An older, more formal way of saying "be accustomed to" or "be inclined to".

FAQs

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

"Be apt to" is used to indicate a tendency or likelihood. For example, "Students who study regularly "are apt to" perform well on exams".

What phrases can I use instead of "be apt to"?

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

Is it more formal to say "be apt to" or "be likely to"?

"Be likely to" is generally considered more formal than "be apt to". While both are acceptable, "be likely to" is often preferred in academic and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "be apt to" and "be prone to"?

While both phrases suggest a tendency, "be prone to" often implies a susceptibility to something negative or undesirable. "Be apt to" is more neutral and simply indicates a likelihood or inclination.