has a propensity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a propensity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's natural inclination or tendency towards a particular behavior or characteristic. Example: "She has a propensity for taking on leadership roles in group projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Aso, who has a propensity for verbal blunders, later attempted to clarify his comments.

The Guardian

Its current composition has a propensity for deadlock and paralysis even in the face of crisis," President Zuma said.

The New York Times

Dark-haired and compactly built, Mr. Poots has a propensity for making long "to do" lists in a notebook.

The New York Times

David Rockefeller, son of John D., Jr., has a propensity for eating in the Woolworth store across from the Library.

The New Yorker

The main hurdle is that experts cannot determine the actual state of the brain after the fact, only whether a person has a propensity for partial arousals.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Berlusconi, 71, rich and flamboyant, owns media and sports businesses, and has a propensity for plastic surgery and voluptuous young women.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Ryder Ripps, 14, may have a propensity for design.

The New York Times

I just don't have a propensity for catching balls.

The Guardian - Film

Nussbaum has long had a propensity for orderly routines.

The New York Times - Books

He did not think the prosecution had shown that Pistorius had a propensity for violence.

The Guardian

Kyrgios sometimes elicits comparisons to Monfils, if only because they both have a propensity for tweeners.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a propensity for" when you want to describe a recurring pattern or inclination in someone's behavior or in the characteristics of something.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "propensity" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tendency" or "inclination" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a propensity for" functions as a predicative expression, describing a subject's inherent tendency or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. This phrase is typically followed by a noun or gerund, indicating the object of the propensity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a propensity for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a tendency or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it's often found in more formal contexts like news, science, and professional settings. Alternative phrases include "is inclined to" or "has a tendency to", which may be more appropriate for informal settings. The frequency analysis indicates its common occurrence in "News & Media" and "Science". When using this phrase, remember to consider the formality of your context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a tendency to

This alternative highlights a consistent pattern or habit.

is inclined to

This alternative is less formal and emphasizes a leaning towards something.

tends toward

This alternative indicates a general direction or leaning.

is apt to

This alternative indicates a natural or habitual inclination.

is given to

This alternative suggests a habitual or frequent behavior.

has an inclination toward

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a direction or preference.

is prone to

This alternative suggests a susceptibility, often to something negative.

displays a proclivity for

This alternative is more formal and highlights a strong natural tendency.

is predisposed to

This alternative suggests a pre-existing vulnerability or likelihood.

is liable to

This alternative implies a risk or likelihood of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "has a propensity for" in a sentence?

You can use "has a propensity for" to describe someone's natural inclination or tendency. For instance, "She "has a propensity for" taking on leadership roles."

What can I say instead of "has a propensity for"?

You can use alternatives like "is inclined to", "has a tendency to", or "is prone to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "has a propensity for" or "has a potential for"?

"Has a propensity for" indicates a tendency or inclination based on past behavior or characteristics. "Has a potential for" refers to a future possibility or capability.

What's the difference between "has a propensity for" and "has a penchant for"?

"Has a penchant for" suggests a fondness or liking for something, often something specific or unusual. "Has a propensity for" indicates a general tendency or inclination toward something.