demonstrates a propensity

USAGE SUMMARY

"demonstrates a propensity" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone's tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or action. For example: "The study demonstrates a propensity for risk-taking among adolescents." Alternative expressions include "shows a tendency" and "exhibits a predisposition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For their part, the Palestinians early on demonstrated a propensity to turn down offers of compromise.

The New York Times - Books

Soderbergh again demonstrated a propensity for experimentation with The Good German (2006).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was active on neo-Nazi and anti-Islamic Web sites; however, he had not demonstrated a propensity for violent rhetoric.

Britannica

However, in previous testing, HTCL demonstrated a propensity to excessive delamination at the titanium/PMC interface following titanium cracking.

International Journal of Fatigue

Though a Board of Parole panel cited his "clean disciplinary record" -- which prison officials said last week had continued -- it denied parole, saying his crimes had "demonstrated a propensity for extreme violence".

The New York Times

Some space vehicle types, e.g., US Transit spacecraft and former Soviet Vostok orbital stages, demonstrate a propensity for debris generation, while other satellite designs appear less vulnerable.

Advances in Space Research

Prior studies have demonstrated a propensity for renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) of papillary subtypes in end-stage kidneys, and perhaps in allograft kidneys, but most allograft studies lack detailed pathologic review and predate the current classification system.

Stanford University

Even though that had little effect on his overall tax liability, Professor Kleinbard contends that that and other tax avoidance measures demonstrate a propensity to engage in aggressive tax strategies.

The New York Times

It seems fair to say that most of the new abstract art will take the form of painting, although sculptors are once again showing interest in pared-down forms and photographers have recently demonstrated a propensity for dispensing with subject matter as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Those already in the military but found to "demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts" were expelled.

Huffington Post

Veterans have demonstrated a propensity to serve, whether for our country, our families or the soldier, sailor, airman or marine standing nearby.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demonstrates a propensity" when you want to convey a clear and observable tendency or inclination, supported by evidence or repeated instances.

Common error

Avoid using "demonstrates a propensity" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "tends to" or "is likely to" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demonstrates a propensity" functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing the subject's tendency or inclination towards a specific behavior or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it describing various subjects, from people to scientific phenomena.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demonstrates a propensity" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a clear tendency or inclination toward a specific behavior or characteristic. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for formal and scientific contexts where precise language is valued. While simpler alternatives exist, such as "shows a tendency" or "tends to", "demonstrates a propensity" offers a more formal and emphatic way to convey observable inclinations, particularly in scientific, academic, and news reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows a tendency

Replaces "demonstrates a propensity" with simpler synonyms, focusing on the aspect of showing a particular behavior or characteristic.

exhibits an inclination

Uses a more formal vocabulary to convey the same meaning of showing a predisposition.

displays a proclivity

Employs a stronger word, "proclivity", to emphasize a natural or habitual tendency.

reveals a disposition

Highlights the aspect of uncovering an inherent quality or trait.

suggests a likelihood

Shifts the focus to the probability or chance of something happening.

indicates a readiness

Focuses on the willingness or preparedness to do something.

has a habit of

Describes a recurring behavior or pattern.

is prone to

Highlights the susceptibility or vulnerability to something.

tends to

Uses a simpler expression to indicate a common or usual behavior.

evinces a bent

Uses a more literary term, "bent", to suggest a natural talent or inclination.

FAQs

How can I use "demonstrates a propensity" in a sentence?

You can use "demonstrates a propensity" to describe someone or something that shows a tendency toward a particular behavior or characteristic. For example, "The research "demonstrates a propensity" for risk-taking among young adults".

What are some alternatives to "demonstrates a propensity"?

Alternatives include "shows a tendency", "exhibits an inclination", or "tends to", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "demonstrates a propensity" or "has a propensity"?

"Demonstrates a propensity" implies that the tendency is being actively shown or observed, while "has a propensity" simply states that the tendency exists. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the active display of the tendency.

What's the difference between "demonstrates a propensity" and "is prone to"?

"Demonstrates a propensity" suggests an observed tendency or inclination, while "is prone to" implies a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, often negative. The nuance depends on whether you want to emphasize tendency or susceptibility.