his inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

"his inclination" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
An example sentence that uses it is "He was aware of his inclination to stay away from crowded places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cantor hinted at his inclination.

The New Yorker

His inclination proved accurate.

The New York Times

Manager Joe Girardi seemed mildly annoyed when asked his inclination.

The New York Times

But his inclination to disregard parliament is disturbing.

The Economist

Solitude was his mindset, grand spiritual debauchery his inclination.

The Guardian

(To be safe, he confirmed his inclination in a series of online tests).

The New Yorker

Mr. Jones said his inclination had always been to be a conciliator.

The New York Times

If the ball's in his hand, his inclination is to extend the play.

The New York Times

Throughout his career, Mr. Williams was unabashed about his inclination for sentimentality.

The New York Times

It was the historian Livy who recognized and encouraged his inclination for historical studies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His inclination toward mercy was certainly not lost on his generals, either.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "his inclination", ensure that the context clearly indicates whose inclination is being referred to, especially if the pronoun's reference is not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "his inclination" interchangeably with terms like "his decision". Inclination implies a leaning or tendency, not necessarily a deliberate choice. Be precise with your word choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his inclination" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a verb. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his inclination" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a person's tendency or predisposition. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it sees frequent use across various reputable sources, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and to some degree, scientific writing. While it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is more common in neutral and professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the subtle differences between it and similar terms like "his intention" or "his preference", as inclination focuses more on inherent tendencies rather than conscious decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his tendency

Focuses on a habitual pattern or predictable behavior.

his predisposition

Highlights a pre-existing susceptibility or vulnerability.

his bent

Emphasizes a natural talent or aptitude.

his proclivity

Implies a strong and often uncontrollable leaning.

his disposition

Refers to a general attitude or mood.

his penchant

Suggests a fondness or liking for something.

his preference

Indicates a choice or selection based on taste.

his leaning

Implies a slight bias or favoritism.

his desire

Highlights a strong feeling of wanting something.

his impulse

Suggests a sudden urge or unthinking motivation.

FAQs

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

You can use "his inclination" to describe someone's tendency or preference, such as "His inclination was to avoid conflict at all costs".

What are some alternatives to "his inclination"?

Some alternatives include "his tendency", "his preference", or "his proclivity" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "his inclination" formal or informal?

"His inclination" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a more neutral register. Simpler terms like "his desire" might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "his inclination" and "his intention"?

"His inclination" refers to a natural tendency or leaning, whereas "his intention" describes a deliberate plan or purpose. Inclination is more about inherent disposition, while intention is about a conscious decision.