born with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "born with" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe inherent traits, abilities, or conditions that someone has from birth. An example is: "She was born with a talent for music." Alternative expressions include "innately possessing" and "naturally endowed with."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're born with it.

The New Yorker

"It's something we're born with.

The New York Times - Sports

We're born with our biases.

The New York Times

"He's just born with it.

The New York Times - Sports

Something you're born with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was born with a jelly belly.

The New York Times

Are you born with this quality?

The New York Times

Nobody is born with good taste.

The New York Times

"You are what you're born with.

The New York Times

I was also born with hand deformities.

Independent

You aren't just born with that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing talents or abilities, using "born with" effectively conveys that the person's skill is natural and not learned. Consider adding context to clarify how this innate quality influences their actions or achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "born with" to describe skills acquired through practice or learning. Reserve it for qualities that are demonstrably present from a very young age or linked to genetic predispositions. It's more accurate to say someone developed a skill rather than they were "born with" it, if there's evidence of practice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "born with" primarily functions as a postpositive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an attribute, ability, or condition existing from birth. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "born with" describes inherent characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "born with" is a versatile and common expression used to describe innate qualities, talents, or conditions existing from birth. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various contexts. It functions as a postpositive adjective phrase and serves to highlight inherent characteristics. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Scientific, Wiki, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "born with", ensure that the trait being described is genuinely innate and not a developed skill. Consider alternatives like "inherent from birth" or "naturally endowed with" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent from birth

Emphasizes that the quality or trait is a natural and permanent part of the person's being since they were born.

naturally endowed with

Highlights that the person received the quality as a gift or blessing from nature.

innate to

Focuses on the inborn, instinctive nature of the trait or quality.

possessed from birth

Implies that the person had the characteristic or ability from the moment they were born.

genetically predisposed to

Specifically refers to traits or conditions influenced by genetics and present from birth.

having an inborn talent for

Specifically indicates that a skill or talent was present from birth.

having a natural inclination for

Highlights a natural tendency or preference that has been present since birth.

coming into the world with

A more figurative way of saying that someone was born with something.

from birth onwards

Highlights the continuation of something from the moment of birth and forward.

predestined with

Suggests a fate-like quality, as if someone's condition was determined before they were born.

FAQs

How can I use "born with" in a sentence?

You can use "born with" to describe innate qualities, talents, or conditions that a person has from birth. For example, "She was "born with" a talent for music", or "He was "born with" a rare medical condition".

What are some alternatives to "born with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "inherent from birth", "naturally endowed with", or "innate to", which also emphasize qualities or conditions present from birth.

Is it accurate to say someone was "born with" a skill they later developed?

While "born with" implies a natural, inborn talent, skills that are significantly developed through practice and learning are better described as acquired or honed. It's important to distinguish between innate potential and cultivated ability.

What's the difference between "born with" and "genetically predisposed to"?

"Born with" is a broader term that can refer to any quality or condition present from birth, whereas "genetically predisposed to" specifically indicates that a trait or condition is influenced by genetic factors and present from birth. Genetic predisposition suggests a higher likelihood of developing a trait or condition.