inclination for

USAGE SUMMARY

"inclination for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular preference or leaning towards something, like having a natural inclination for a certain activity or hobby. For example, "He had an inclination for painting and always found himself drawn to the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frazier had no inclination for oratorical bravado.

The New York Times - Sports

The grill master's apprentice displays a similar inclination for heft.

The New Yorker

"We don't have an inclination for romantic music," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Kesner says he shares Mr. Kistler's inclination for privacy.

The New York Times - Food

He has little inclination for historical analysis, and he makes sweeping generalizations where specificity might help.

The New Yorker

Other players rarely have the occasion, or inclination, for such scruples.

The New Yorker

So there's a natural inclination for people to sit back and not be engaged".

The New York Times

The natural inclination for young editors is to show home runs.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've got a strong inclination for you... .., "The power of inclination"... Nope.

The Guardian

"He didn't have much of an inclination for pragmatic, tactical politics, and that was his weakness".

The New York Times

I didn't have the time or inclination for sixty-page chapters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's talent, combine "inclination for" with verbs showcasing the talent, such as "inclination for excelling", "inclination for dominating", and "inclination for standing out".

Common error

While both phrases relate to tendencies, "inclination for" is typically followed by a noun (e.g., "inclination for solitude"), whereas "inclination to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "inclination to procrastinate"). Using them interchangeably can lead to grammatical errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inclination for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating a predisposition or leaning towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show it describing preferences, tendencies, or natural aptitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inclination for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a preference, tendency, or predisposition towards something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, with a formal tone. While alternatives like "preference for" or "tendency to" exist, "inclination for" adds a nuanced layer of formality. Remember to follow it with a noun and avoid confusing it with "inclination to", which requires a verb. The phrase is frequent in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedic contents, confirming its broad applicability. The phrase demonstrates a clear and precise manner to express inherent tendencies or interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preference for

A more direct synonym, focusing on choice.

predilection for

Replaces "inclination" with "predilection", suggesting a stronger preference.

propensity for

Uses "propensity" instead of "inclination", implying a natural tendency.

affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or connection.

leaning toward

Replaces the noun "inclination" with a verb phrase.

disposition toward

Focuses on a person's inherent qualities.

tendency to

Similar to "leaning toward" but uses "tendency" which can imply a weaker pull.

partiality toward

Implies a bias or favoritism.

aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural talent or skill.

bent for

A more informal synonym for "inclination".

FAQs

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

Use "inclination for" to describe a tendency or preference. For example, "She has an inclination for romantic comedies" or "He showed an inclination for historical studies".

What's a good alternative to "inclination for"?

Alternatives include "preference for", "tendency to", or "leaning toward", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "inclination to" instead of "inclination for"?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used differently. "Inclination for" is followed by a noun, while "inclination to" is followed by a verb. For example, "inclination for music" vs. "inclination to sing".

What is the difference between "inclination for" and "aptitude for"?

"Inclination for" suggests a preference or liking, while "aptitude for" implies a natural ability or talent. You can have an inclination for something you're not good at, and vice versa.