disposition to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disposition to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or attitude. Example: "She has a natural disposition to help others, which makes her an excellent volunteer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Later, when I mentioned Lonergan's disposition to Hamilton, he laughed.

The New York Times - Magazine

But "A Disposition to Be Rich" is a special accomplishment.

The New York Times - Books

"You need a self-critical disposition to work here," said Thompson.

The Guardian

Of course, a genetic disposition to accept outsiders is not quite the same thing as trust.

The New York Times

If people couldn't be embarrassed, a disposition to ridicule would have little survival value.

The New Yorker

Does Washington have the proper mental disposition to play clean football for 60 minutes?

The New York Times - Sports

"This was usually enough to dispel any disposition to disobey the order to change.

The Guardian

Microsoft has shown no disposition to voluntarily alter its business protocol in any significant respect.

The New York Times

"With Senator Reid and the president, there is much less disposition to defer to his office".

The New York Times

And there is a hint of a disposition to 'antisocial behaviour'.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, the current study suggests a female pre-disposition to PAH in response to Dfen exposure.

Cardiovascular Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's character, use "disposition to" followed by a verb to illustrate their habitual actions. For example, "She has a "disposition to" help others in need."

Common error

Avoid using "disposition to" when you mean "disposition of", which refers to the act of getting rid of or transferring something. "Disposition to" describes an inclination or tendency, not a disposal action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disposition to" primarily functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, serving to indicate a predisposition, inclination, or tendency towards a specific behavior, trait, or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

34%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disposition to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a natural inclination or tendency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in a variety of contexts, from describing personality traits to scientific predispositions. While alternatives like "tendency to" or "inclination to" exist, "disposition to" maintains a distinct nuance that is valuable in both formal and informal communication. Remember to distinguish it from "disposition of", which has a different meaning related to disposal or transferring of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tendency towards

This alternative highlights the inclination or likelihood of behaving or thinking in a certain way. It shifts from 'disposition' to a more direct term for inclination.

inclination for

This option emphasizes a natural urge or desire, focusing on a leaning or preference. It uses 'inclination' which directly relates to having a preference.

propensity for

This phrase points to an inherent inclination or tendency, often implying a susceptibility to something. It is more formal and indicates a natural tendency.

predisposition to

This alternative suggests a prior inclination or susceptibility, often linked to genetics or environment. It highlights the pre-existing nature of the tendency.

readiness for

This option focuses on the state of being prepared or willing to do something. It emphasizes the immediate capability and willingness.

aptitude for

This phrase indicates a natural ability or talent, highlighting inherent skill rather than general inclination. It emphasizes skill rather than general tendency.

penchant for

This suggests a strong liking or fondness, implying a habitual preference. It's less about a general tendency and more about a specific liking.

liking for

This alternative is simpler and denotes a preference or enjoyment, differing in formality. It replaces disposition with a straightforward expression of liking.

vulnerability to

This emphasizes a susceptibility to negative influences or conditions, highlighting potential weakness. It shifts the focus to a state of being at risk.

susceptibility to

This option underscores a tendency to be affected by something, often implying a lack of resistance. It centers on being easily influenced or affected.

FAQs

How can I use "disposition to" in a sentence?

Use "disposition to" to describe someone's inherent tendency or inclination. For example, "He has a "disposition to" overreact in stressful situations."

What's a good synonym for "disposition to"?

Alternatives include "tendency to", "inclination to", or "propensity for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "disposition for" instead of "disposition to"?

While "disposition for" might sometimes sound correct, "disposition to" is the more standard and widely accepted form when expressing an inclination or tendency towards something.

What is the difference between "disposition to" and "attitude towards"?

"Disposition to" refers to an inherent or natural tendency, while "attitude towards" describes a learned or developed feeling or opinion about something. For example, someone might have a "disposition to" be cheerful but have a negative "attitude towards" a specific policy.