first inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

"first inclination" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's initial reaction or idea about something. For example, "My first inclination was to say no, but I decided to give it a chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Your first inclination is to toss it.

The New York Times

"Even just winning something," our first inclination was to say.

The New Yorker

My first inclination was Burger King; he pronounced it "poison".

The New York Times

And rather than a last resort, it's the first inclination.

The Washington Post

"Our first inclination was that he die," Mr. Winick said.

The New York Times - Arts

To be fair, this is my first inclination for most requests.

The New Yorker

Hatch's first inclination was to cancel the season before it started.

The New York Times - Sports

His first inclination was to see one pitch, and then go.

The New York Times - Sports

Her first inclination had been to perform the complete Schubert sonatas.

The Guardian - Music

Your first inclination is to shoot down criticisms from me and others.

Harvard Business Review

Even so, his first inclination was not to follow his uncles into this line.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first inclination", consider whether a more specific term like "impulse", "reaction", or "thought" might provide greater clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid automatically equating your "first inclination" with the most rational or ethical choice. It is crucial to pause and evaluate whether your initial impulse aligns with your goals and values before acting on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first inclination" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an individual's initial impulse, reaction, or tendency towards something. Ludwig shows many examples supporting this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first inclination" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe someone's initial reaction or impulse. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English across various contexts. While it's frequently encountered in News & Media, it also appears in Formal & Business settings, Science, and even Wiki sources. When employing this phrase, consider whether a more precise term like "impulse", "reaction", or "thought" might enhance clarity. Remember, relying solely on your "first inclination" may not always be the best course of action; careful evaluation is often necessary. Alternatives include "initial impulse", "immediate reaction", and "first impulse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial impulse

Focuses on the instinctive urge rather than a considered inclination.

first impulse

Emphasizes the sudden urge or drive behind an action.

immediate reaction

Highlights the spontaneous response to something.

initial reaction

Similar to immediate reaction, but can also refer to a more thought-out response after a first impression.

initial tendency

Refers to a predisposition to act or think in a certain way.

gut reaction

Suggests a strong, instinctive feeling or response.

first thought

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of the initial response.

knee-jerk reaction

Implies an automatic and often unthinking response.

original thought

Emphasizes the initial idea or perspective one has.

preliminary notion

Highlights the early stage of an idea or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "first inclination" to describe an initial reaction or impulse. For example: "My "first inclination" was to disagree, but I decided to listen to the explanation."

What are some alternatives to "first inclination"?

Alternatives to "first inclination" include "initial impulse", "immediate reaction", or "first impulse". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always wise to follow your "first inclination"?

Not necessarily. While your "first inclination" can be informative, it's important to consider the situation thoughtfully before acting. Sometimes, a more considered response is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "first inclination" and "initial thought"?

"First inclination" implies a tendency or impulse to act in a certain way, while "initial thought" refers to the first idea or consideration that comes to mind. They both refer to the beginning of a process, but one focuses on action and the other on cognition.