habit-forming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "habit-forming" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that encourages repeated use or engagement, often in the context of substances or activities that can lead to addiction. Example: "Many video games are designed to be habit-forming, keeping players engaged for hours on end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Blakelock is habit-forming.

The New Yorker

Secrecy is habit-forming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Remote controls are habit-forming.

The New York Times - Magazine

Coming here is habit-forming.

The New York Times

Hawthorne's oxtails are wickedly habit-forming.

The New York Times - Magazine

Needless to say it is habit-forming.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And these natural neurochemicals could well be habit forming.

The Guardian

She says gardenia eating is not habit forming.

The New Yorker

WORST: This site can be habit forming.

Forbes

This is habit forming.

WikiHow

It can be habit forming.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the potential for addiction, use "habit-forming" to soften the impact and avoid overly alarmist language. For example, instead of saying "this game is addictive", consider "this game can be habit-forming if not moderated".

Common error

Avoid using "habit-forming" to describe trivial preferences or minor routines. Reserve it for situations where the potential for genuine dependence or compulsion exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "habit-forming" functions primarily as a pre-modifying adjective, describing nouns by indicating their potential to cause a habit. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing substances, activities, and technologies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "habit-forming" is a versatile adjective used to describe something with the potential to create a dependency or repeated behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and its prevalence across varied sources, from news media to scientific publications. While similar to "addictive", it often conveys a milder level of dependence. Effective writing involves reserving "habit-forming" for contexts where genuine dependence is possible, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. By understanding its subtle connotations and appropriate usage, writers can leverage "habit-forming" to enrich their prose and communicate with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addictive

Focuses specifically on the aspect of addiction and dependence.

compulsive

Emphasizes the irresistible urge to repeat an action.

dependency-inducing

Highlights the creation of a need for continued use.

repeatedly engaging

Describes the tendency to cause frequent participation.

creating a habit

Focuses on the process of forming a routine.

difficult to quit

Emphasizes the challenge of stopping the behavior.

hard to put down

Highlights the engaging and captivating nature of the subject.

highly engaging

Focuses on the captivating quality that leads to repeated use.

tending to become a routine

Highlights the process of becoming a regular, established behavior.

liable to cause dependence

Directly states the potential for creating a need.

FAQs

How can I use "habit-forming" in a sentence?

You can use "habit-forming" to describe substances, activities, or technologies that encourage repeated use or engagement. For example, "Many social media platforms are designed to be habit-forming, keeping users engaged for hours".

What are some alternatives to "habit-forming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "addictive", "compulsive", or "dependency-inducing".

Is "habit-forming" the same as "addictive"?

"Habit-forming" and "addictive" are similar, but "habit-forming" often implies a less severe level of dependence than "addictive". Addictive typically refers to a physiological or psychological dependence that's difficult to overcome.

Which is correct, "habit-forming" or "habit forming"?

"Habit-forming" is the correct spelling when used as a compound adjective. "Habit forming" is used when "habit" is a noun and "forming" is a verb (e.g., "The club was habit forming for many new recruits").