be disposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be disposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a tendency or inclination towards a particular action or attitude. Example: "She seems to be disposed to help others in need, always volunteering her time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

To be inclined toward the perfection of another rational being is to be disposed to take pleasure in their perfection.

SEP

To love disinterestedly, Leibniz explains, is to be "disposed to take pleasure in the perfection, well-being or happiness of the object of one's love.

SEP

"Probably we wouldn't be disposed to making an issue out of it," Mr. Levine said.

The New York Times

If they can't brush it off they'll be disposed to paranoia and conflict.

The Economist

Nigger napped because "an animal … who does not reflect, must be disposed to sleep".

Independent

After a few years in the wilderness, maybe they will be disposed to using that power for conservative ends.

The New York Times

In his view, this would be regarded as a sign that the Federal Reserve might be disposed to reducing interest rates at least one more time.

The New York Times

"People, even the most technophobic, might be disposed to live with robots if this meant they could remain in their homes," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

In an e-mail to the journalist Dan Froomkin he wrote: "We wouldn't be disposed to honor such a request" from the administration, even if they'd had one.

The New York Times

"I testified for a structural resolution at the trial," Mr. Barksdale added, "and I think the judge would be disposed to it.

The New York Times

A certain power (presumably Britain) might be disposed to act more energetically in Europe if it were not obliged to follow events in the Far East so closely".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be disposed to" to express a natural inclination or tendency towards a specific action or belief. It adds a nuanced layer of meaning that suggests a predisposition rather than a firm decision.

Common error

Avoid using "be disposed to" when a definite action is required or expected. The phrase implies a tendency, not a certainty. For instance, instead of saying "He is disposed to accept the offer", which implies he might not, use "He is likely to accept the offer" if you mean he probably will.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be disposed to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a predisposition, tendency, or inclination towards something. It's often used to express a likelihood or willingness to act in a certain way under specific circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be disposed to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that expresses a tendency, inclination, or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It is commonly found in science and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When writing, remember to use "be disposed to" to express a natural inclination and avoid using it when a definite action is expected. Consider alternatives such as ""be inclined to"", "tend to", or "be prone to" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be inclined to

Indicates a tendency or preference towards something; similar in meaning but slightly more formal.

be prone to

Suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, implying a higher likelihood of occurrence.

tend to

Implies a habitual or characteristic behavior, focusing on typical actions or patterns.

be apt to

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency, often implying a predictable outcome.

be liable to

Implies a legal or moral obligation, or a high probability of experiencing something negative.

be willing to

Indicates a readiness or eagerness to do something, emphasizing a positive attitude.

be prepared to

Suggests readiness and planning for a specific event or action, emphasizing anticipation.

be predisposed to

Implies a genetic or environmental influence making someone more likely to act or think a certain way, often used in scientific contexts.

have a tendency to

A more verbose way of saying "tend to", emphasizing a recurring pattern or habit.

lean towards

Indicates a preference or bias in a particular direction, suggesting a favorable inclination.

FAQs

How do I use "be disposed to" in a sentence?

Use "be disposed to" to indicate a tendency or inclination towards a particular action or attitude. For example, "She seems to "be inclined to" help others in need, always volunteering her time."

What can I say instead of "be disposed to"?

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

Which is correct, "be disposed to" or "being disposed to"?

"Be disposed to" is generally used as part of a verb phrase indicating a state or tendency. "Being disposed to" might be used as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, such as "Being disposed to help others is a valuable trait."

What's the difference between "be disposed to" and "be willing to"?

"Be disposed to" suggests a natural inclination or tendency, while "be willing to" indicates a readiness or consent to do something. "Be disposed to" focuses on internal tendencies, while "be willing to" highlights a conscious decision to act.