be biased toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be biased toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a preference or inclination towards a particular perspective, opinion, or group. Example: "The study revealed that the researchers tended to be biased toward the results that supported their initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their length was shorter – 166.2 bp on average, but these estimates could be biased toward shorter exons due to the PCR-biased amplicon resequencing.

Plosone

Others suggest that molecular data may be biased toward overestimating ages.

The New York Times - Science

In fact, our initial moral sense appears to be biased toward our own kind.

The New York Times - Magazine

But advocates for workers are criticizing it in advance because they fear it will be biased toward employers.

The New York Times

Indeed, environmental and consumer groups have in recent months criticized the panel, fearing it would be biased toward the auto industry.

The New York Times

When you have spent your whole life engaged with real and imagined threats, the lens through which you view the world will inevitably be biased toward the military.

The New Yorker

"We tend to be biased toward saving failing firms," said Michelle J. White, an economics professor at the University of California at San Diego.

The New York Times

Both worried the podcast – which was not yet complete, and which they had not heard – would be biased toward the alleged deserter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unlike the current "earned income tax credit," his plan would not be biased toward families with dependent children, but would apply equally to all workers.

The New York Times

Personally, I may be biased toward Mr Hubbard, but I am also a big fan of Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Holtz-Eakin, Greg Mankiw Goolsbee.

The Economist

However, our method adjusted for the tendency of registered-voter polls to be biased toward Democrats by shifting them in Mr. Romney's direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be biased toward", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. It often implies a lack of objectivity, so choose it carefully.

Common error

Avoid using "be biased toward" when a more neutral term like "prefer" or "favor" would be more appropriate. "Bias" carries a negative connotation that might not be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be biased toward" functions as a verb phrase indicating a tendency to favor or lean in a particular direction. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English, demonstrating its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be biased toward" is a common expression used to indicate a predisposition or inclination towards a particular viewpoint, outcome, or group. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. While the term "bias" often carries a negative connotation, it can also describe a natural tendency. In writing, it's crucial to consider the context when using "be biased toward" to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids unintentional negative implications. Alternatives such as "favor", "lean towards", and "have a preference for" can be used when a more neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a preference for

Directly indicates a liking for one thing over another.

be inclined to

Suggests a natural or habitual way of thinking or acting.

lean towards

Suggests a tendency or inclination, often without strong conviction.

be predisposed to

Indicates an inherent inclination or susceptibility.

favor

Implies a simple preference, lacking the negative connotation of prejudice.

be partial to

Implies a fondness or special liking.

tend to

Highlights a common pattern or behavior.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural attraction or movement toward something.

show favoritism towards

Emphasizes unfair or unjust preferential treatment.

have a soft spot for

Indicates a sentimental or affectionate preference.

FAQs

How can I use "be biased toward" in a sentence?

You can use "be biased toward" to describe a tendency to favor a particular viewpoint or outcome. For example, "The study's design may "be biased toward" positive results."

What are some alternatives to "be biased toward"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "favor", "lean towards", or "have a preference for".

What does it mean for research to "be biased toward" a certain outcome?

If research is "biased toward" a certain outcome, it means the methodology or execution of the research may have unintentionally favored that outcome, potentially compromising the validity of the results.

Is it always negative to "be biased toward" something?

While ""be biased toward"" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with unfairness or prejudice, it can also simply describe a natural inclination or preference, though it's crucial to recognize and address such inclinations for fairness.