inclination to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

"inclination to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing someone's desire for knowledge or when talking about the motivation to acquire new skills. For example, "John has an impressive inclination to learn and is always looking for new ways to expand his understanding of the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The inclination to learn from life can be taught in a liberal arts curriculum, but also in schools that focus on real-world skills, from engineering to nursing.

The New York Times

But Guinness was not the first great actor to find the ability, and the inclination, to learn parts after 70 much reduced.

The Guardian

He emphasized "plasticity," an openness to being shaped by experience: "The inclination to learn from life itself and to make the conditions of life such that all will learn in the process of living is the finest product of schooling".

The New York Times

For a nastier subset of millennials with a creative bent but not the inclination to learn how to paint or illustrate or play the piano, writing is the most familiar form of creative expression.

Huffington Post

If you can take your natural inclination to learn about new things and use that in one area, you can continue to find out things that most people will never know.

Huffington Post

In a recent opinion piece in The New York Times, Michael Roth, the president of Wesleyan University, quotes the great educational philosopher John Dewey: "The inclination to learn from life itself and to make the conditions of life such that all will learn in the process of living is the finest product of schooling".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Furthermore, it is not a waste of time, whatever our religious inclinations, to learn something about Christianity at its most systematized.

The New Yorker

You haven't the inclination to watch The X Factor.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was my inclination to see how things worked.

The New York Times

Knowing of his inclination to fiddle, we shouldn't be surprised to learn he bribed the judges of the chariot race and won despite falling twice and failing to finish.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, respondents reported that abandoned negotiated joining processes allowed them to learn about their skills and inclinations as well as the types of groups they would likely be happy in.

Administrative Science Quarterly

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inclination to learn" when you want to emphasize a natural or inherent tendency towards acquiring knowledge, rather than a forced or obligatory learning process.

Common error

Avoid using "inclination to learn" when describing mandatory training or required education; "requirement to learn" or "need to learn" are more appropriate in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inclination to learn" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a tendency or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. The examples showcase its role in describing personal attributes and educational philosophies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inclination to learn" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a natural tendency or willingness to acquire knowledge. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, and to a lesser extent in scientific contexts. While there are more common alternative phrases, "inclination to learn" offers a specific nuance, emphasizing an inherent predisposition rather than a forced or obligated action. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of natural curiosity and inherent tendencies rather than mandated training or education. Related phrases like "willingness to learn" and "desire to learn" offer subtly different shades of meaning and may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proclivity for learning

Similar to "inclination" but suggests a stronger, more innate tendency.

tendency to learn

Highlights a habitual pattern of engaging in learning activities.

willingness to learn

Emphasizes a positive and cooperative attitude toward learning, differing from inclination which can be more passive.

readiness to learn

Implies a state of preparedness and openness to acquiring new knowledge.

predisposition to learn

Implies a pre-existing tendency to find learning appealing or easier.

penchant for learning

Indicates a strong liking or fondness for learning.

desire to learn

Highlights the emotional aspect of wanting to learn, whereas "inclination" is more about inherent tendency.

bent for learning

Suggests a natural talent or leaning towards learning, making it sound slightly more informal.

aptitude for learning

Focuses on the natural ability to learn, rather than the desire or preference.

natural curiosity

Emphasizes the inherent drive to explore and learn about new things.

FAQs

How can I use "inclination to learn" in a sentence?

You can use "inclination to learn" to describe someone's natural tendency or desire to acquire knowledge. For example, "Her natural "inclination to learn" made her an excellent student."

What's a good substitute for "inclination to learn"?

Alternatives include "willingness to learn", "desire to learn", or "aptitude for learning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "inclination to learn" formal or informal?

"Inclination to learn" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's commonly used in educational, professional, and general discussions.

How does "inclination to learn" differ from "motivation to learn"?

"Inclination" suggests a natural tendency, whereas "motivation" implies a driven, goal-oriented approach. Someone with an "inclination to learn" enjoys the process, while someone with "motivation to learn" has specific objectives in mind.