by inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural tendency or preference towards something. Example: "She chose to pursue a career in art by inclination, as she had always been drawn to creative expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He came to this populist approach by inclination and history.

The New York Times - Arts

By inclination, you could consider her also a trashologist.

The New York Times

George W. Bush is not a culture warrior by inclination.

The New York Times

"Batting is my occupation; both by inclination and gift.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm not by inclination a clown," he joked.

The Guardian

But of course, fishermen are by inclination optimists.

The New York Times

Like most sportsmen, tennis players are conservative by inclination.

The Economist

Postlethwaite plays the boss as a showman by inclination.

Independent

By inclination, I of course trust the nerds.

The New York Times

Partly by inclination, partly of necessity, City Opera has typically taken more chances with the staples.

The New York Times

A tendentious, soulful interpreter by inclination, he avoids any hint of routine.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by inclination", ensure it clearly indicates a natural preference or tendency, differentiating it from actions driven by obligation or external factors. For example, instead of saying 'He went to the party by inclination', specify the inclination: 'He went to the party by inclination, as he loved to dance'.

Common error

Avoid using "by inclination" when describing skills or learned behaviors; it's more appropriate for inherent preferences. Instead of saying 'She solved the problem by inclination', which implies an innate ability, specify if it was innate: 'She approached the problem analytically by inclination', or clarify if it was skill-based: 'She solved the problem through skilled analysis'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by inclination" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the reason or motivation behind an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its use in specifying the reason of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by inclination" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a natural preference or tendency. Ludwig AI’s analysis reveals that this adverbial phrase commonly appears in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, indicating its versatility across various contexts. To ensure correct usage, remember that "by inclination" should be used to describe inherent preferences rather than acquired skills, and consider the context to emphasize the voluntary nature of the action. Alternatives like ""out of preference"" or "by natural tendency" can provide subtle variations in meaning. The phrase offers a clear and concise way to articulate choices and behaviors stemming from one's natural disposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of preference

This alternative directly replaces inclination with preference, emphasizing the element of choice.

from personal preference

Emphasizes the personal origin of the preference guiding the action.

by natural tendency

This alternative uses a more descriptive term, 'natural tendency', for 'inclination', clarifying the inherent nature of the preference.

based on preference

Changes the structure to focus on the basis of the preference.

by predisposition

Replaces 'inclination' with 'predisposition', highlighting a pre-existing tendency.

according to preference

This variation shifts the focus slightly to aligning actions with one's preferences.

of one's own volition

This phrase emphasizes the voluntary aspect of acting in accordance with one's inclination, adding a layer of conscious choice.

as a matter of choice

This alternative frames the action as a deliberate decision driven by inclination.

naturally

Using just 'naturally' implies that something occurs due to inherent inclination, simplifying the phrase.

as a result of liking

Highlights that inclination comes from something you like.

FAQs

What does "by inclination" mean?

The phrase "by inclination" means that something is done or occurs because of a natural preference, tendency, or desire, rather than due to external pressure or obligation.

How can I use "by inclination" in a sentence?

You can use "by inclination" to explain why someone prefers to do something or has a certain attitude. For example, "She chose the artistic path "out of preference", as she was drawn to creativity by inclination."

Are there formal alternatives to "by inclination"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "by predisposition", "according to preference", or "of one's own volition", which convey a similar meaning but are suited for more formal contexts.

Is it always necessary to include "by inclination" or can I imply the preference?

While it's not always necessary, including "by inclination" can add clarity, especially when emphasizing that an action stems from a natural preference. Omitting it is acceptable if the context already makes this clear; otherwise, adding the phrase emphasizes the role of innate preference or desire.