inclination of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inclination of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or preference towards something, often in a more abstract or philosophical context. Example: "Her inclination of pursuing a career in the arts was evident from a young age."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That does show an inclination of trying to be even-handed," he said.

The New York Times

This seems to me a strong and unsettling inclination of her fiction.

The Guardian - Books

Dumbing down, we might say, has become the essential inclination of Pope's fellow citizens.

The Guardian - Books

That this should be the inclination of a majority of mankind is unfortunate but hardly surprising.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Espagnola considers herself colored or not colored according to her inclination of the moment.

The New Yorker

"I'm sure everyone had a slight inclination of what they thought it would be.

The New York Times

This only reinforces the inclination of German firms to invest abroad.

The Economist

Radial inclination of >15°.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Angle of inclination of the FRP fibers.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

The inclination of monitor was 105°.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Although the inclination of FOP was closely related to the inclination of BOP, we found a significant discrepancy of the inclination of FOP and BOP within each group.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a tendency, consider if "inclination" accurately captures the nuance. Alternatives like "tendency", "predisposition", or "leaning" might be more appropriate depending on the context. Ensure that the object of the inclination is clearly stated for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "inclination of" when referring to firm decisions or actions. "Inclination" suggests a leaning or preference, not a definitive choice. Using it inappropriately can weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inclination of" primarily functions as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig highlights examples in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inclination of" is a versatile expression used to describe a tendency, preference, or angle. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. When writing, consider whether alternatives such as "tendency toward" or "leaning toward" might better suit the specific nuance you intend to convey. While broadly applicable, remember that "inclination" suggests a leaning or preference, not a definitive action. Being mindful of the context ensures that your writing remains precise and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tendency of

Suggests a general habit or pattern.

tendency toward

Emphasizes a natural or prevailing direction or movement.

leaning toward

Suggests a preference or bias in a particular direction.

propensity for

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way.

predisposition to

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to a certain condition or behavior.

natural bent for

Implies an inherent talent or aptitude for something.

preference for

Indicates a stronger liking for one thing over another.

disposition toward

Refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

angle of

Specifically refers to a geometric measurement of slope or direction.

slope of

Refers to the steepness or gradient of a line or surface.

FAQs

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

The phrase "inclination of" is used to describe a tendency, preference, or angle. For instance, "The inclination of the plane was 45 degrees", or "He showed an inclination of becoming a doctor".

What are some alternatives to "inclination of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "tendency toward", "leaning toward", or "propensity for".

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

While both can be used, "inclination of" is more common and generally preferred, especially in formal writing. "Inclination for" might sound less formal but is grammatically acceptable.

How does the meaning of "inclination of" differ from "intention of"?

"Inclination of" suggests a leaning or preference, while "intention of" indicates a planned or deliberate course of action. Inclination is more passive, while intention is active.