have a proclivity for

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a proclivity for" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to have a natural inclination or tendency towards something. Example: She has a proclivity for adventure, always seeking out new and exciting experiences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The body is very good at this, and unfortunately seems to have a proclivity for adopting our highest weight as a "benchmark".

The Guardian - Opinion

If these interiors tell us anything about the residents, it's that they have a proclivity for furniture pretty much as you might expect of people who love the Barbican.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And people who have a proclivity for what we do have discovered us as a result, and I guess the reputation has grown rather than diminished over the years.

The New Yorker

"I have a proclivity for formulas, which is why I was drawn to the sciences and to law," said the statuesque Ms. Senghore, who has an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.

The New York Times

While I genuinely believe that Corbyn does not have an antisemitic bone in his body, he does have a proclivity for sharing platforms with individuals who do; and his excuses for doing so do not stand up.

The Guardian - Opinion

No, but he sure does have a proclivity for disrobed selfies.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And Bertie had a proclivity for it.

The New York Times - Books

She had a proclivity for using fancy words.

The New Yorker

But it soon becomes apparent that he has a proclivity for substituting hyperbole for insight.

The New York Times - Books

Need I say anything about which sex has a proclivity for browsing — an essential element of buying, um, visual art?

The New York Times

Michael German, a former F.B.I. agent who now works for the A.C.L.U., connected the ethnic mapping to a controversy over F.B.I. training and reference materials, first reported by Wired magazine, that portrayed all Muslims as having a proclivity for terrorism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a proclivity for" to describe consistent behaviors or preferences, not isolated incidents. This emphasizes the habitual nature of the inclination.

Common error

Avoid using "have a proclivity for" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "tend to" or "are inclined to" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a proclivity for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a predisposition or natural inclination towards something. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase indicates that an individual or entity has a natural tendency to act or behave in a certain way.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a proclivity for" signifies a natural inclination or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. It is important to consider the formality of the context, as simpler alternatives like "tend to" might be more suitable for casual conversations. The phrase's function is to characterize a predisposition, making it a valuable tool for descriptive writing. When writing, always provide context to give clarity. Remember that while other phrases such as "have a penchant for" can be used as replacements, they are not perfectly interchangeable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a predisposition for

Uses 'predisposition' which suggests a slightly more inherent or genetic inclination.

be inclined towards

This is a more straightforward way of expressing a tendency without using a more formal word.

have a tendency towards

Replaces 'proclivity' with 'tendency', a simpler and more common synonym.

be prone to

Conveys a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, often negative.

have an affinity for

Indicates a liking or natural attraction, rather than just a tendency.

be apt to

Implies a natural or habitual inclination, often in a specific context.

show a penchant for

Uses 'penchant' which suggests a strong liking or fondness.

gravitate towards

Suggests a natural movement or attraction towards something.

be susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or openness to influence.

lean towards

Suggests a preference or inclination, often in decision-making.

FAQs

What does it mean to "have a proclivity for" something?

To "have a proclivity for" something means to have a natural inclination or tendency towards it. It suggests a predisposition or leaning towards a particular behavior, interest, or activity.

Which is the closest synonym for "have a proclivity for"?

A close synonym is "have a tendency for". Both phrases indicate a natural inclination, but "have a proclivity for" often suggests a more pronounced or inherent predisposition.

How can I use "have a proclivity for" in a sentence?

You can say, "She has a proclivity for adventure", meaning she naturally enjoys and seeks out adventurous experiences. The phrase is generally followed by a noun or gerund indicating the object of the proclivity.

What's the difference between "have a proclivity for" and "have a penchant for"?

"Have a proclivity for" indicates a general tendency or inclination, while "have a penchant for" suggests a stronger liking or fondness. Penchant implies enjoyment or enthusiasm, which is not necessarily present with proclivity.