he is given to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is given to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or habit. Example: "He is given to daydreaming during long meetings, often losing track of the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(He is given to superlatives).

The Guardian

He is given to handshakes and hearty laughter.

The New York Times

He is given to Velveeta-like lines like that.

The New York Times

He is given to dry aphorisms ("He lit another cigarette.

The New Yorker

He is given to spluttering fits of moral outrage that lead him to contradict himself.

The Economist

He is given to wry off-the-cuff remarks that undermine his own arguments.

The New York Times

He is given to lying about things that would be nice, if they were true.

The New Yorker

And like a priest, he is given to making lofty pronouncements with an aphoristic ring.

The New York Times

He is given to calling the students -- 6th to 12th graders -- "my babies".

The New York Times

A flâneur as well as a great hill-walker, he is given to "St.

The New York Times - Books

His voice retains the clipped cadence and flattened vowels of his Bronx upbringing, and he is given to frank disclosure.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is given to" when you want to describe a recurring behavior or inclination in a formal or literary context. It adds a touch of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he is given to" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "he tends to" or "he usually does" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is given to" functions as a verb phrase used to describe a habitual action, tendency, or inclination. It indicates that someone has a propensity for a certain behavior or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is given to" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe someone's tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. While it appears frequently in formal writing, especially in News & Media, it's essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in informal settings. Remember to replace it with simpler alternatives like "he tends to" for casual conversations. Utilizing this phrase correctly can enhance the sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he tends to

A more direct and common way of expressing a habitual action or inclination.

he is inclined to

Suggests a leaning or predisposition towards something, often implying a mental or emotional state.

he is prone to

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, often negative.

he is apt to

Indicates a natural or habitual tendency, often used in a predictive sense.

he has a habit of

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the action or behavior.

he is wont to

A more formal and archaic way of saying "he is accustomed to" or "he tends to".

he is liable to

Similar to "prone to", suggesting a risk or potential for something to occur.

he is susceptible to

Emphasizes a vulnerability or openness to influence or experience.

he demonstrates a tendency for

A more formal and descriptive way to express an inclination.

he reveals an inclination for

Highlights the observable nature of the tendency or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "he is given to" in a sentence?

The phrase "he is given to" is used to describe someone who has a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or habit. For example, "He is given to exaggeration when telling stories."

What are some alternatives to "he is given to"?

You can use alternatives like "he tends to", "he is inclined to", or "he is prone to" depending on the context.

Is "he is given to" formal or informal?

"He is given to" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, alternatives like "he tends to" or "he usually does" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "he is given to" and "he is prone to"?

While both phrases indicate a tendency, "he is given to" is more general, whereas "he is prone to" often implies a susceptibility to something negative or undesirable.