inclination toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"inclination toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a person's tendencies or natural preference for something. For example, "He had an inclination toward socializing with people from different cultures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither had any known previous inclination toward terrorism.

The New Yorker

But O'Connell chuckled, acknowledging an "inclination" toward the 800.

The New York Times - Sports

There is nothing odd about Byrne's growing inclination toward Christian mysticism.

The New Yorker

My prior inclination toward environmentalism was dramatically amplified — my environment now became the planet".

The New Yorker

But after that monthlong science program, I began to doubt my inclination toward science and technology.

The New York Times

It has such an enormous capacity for change, and such a profound inclination toward fairness.

The New York Times

Thracian society was tribal in structure, with little inclination toward political cohesion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New York Times

DeFoore encouraged her to write songs, and to cultivate her inclination toward eclecticism.

The New York Times - Magazine

His inclination toward Clint Eastwoodism makes a lot of people here uncomfortable.

The New Yorker

Despite Huckabee's inclination toward a forgiving Christianity, Robison's passion drew him in.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inclination toward" when you want to describe a leaning or preference that isn't necessarily a strong, conscious choice. It suggests a natural tendency.

Common error

Avoid using "inclination toward" when describing firm beliefs or deliberate decisions. Opt for phrases like "commitment to" or "dedication to" instead to convey a sense of strong purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inclination toward" primarily functions as a means to express a predilection or leaning in a specific direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is correct and commonly employed, and it is useful for describing someone's tendencies or natural preferences. This is supported by the varied examples present in the search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inclination toward" is a correct and commonly used phrase that serves to express a tendency or preference for something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in "News & Media", encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for describing natural tendencies rather than strong convictions. Related phrases include "tendency to", "leaning towards", and "predisposition to". When writing, use it to denote a leaning that isn't necessarily a conscious decision, and avoid it when expressing firm beliefs. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "inclination toward" to add depth and accuracy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tendency to

Focuses more on a general pattern of behavior or occurrence.

leaning towards

Suggests a slight preference or bias.

predisposition to

Implies an inherent susceptibility or vulnerability.

propensity for

Highlights a natural or inherent inclination, often towards something specific.

bent on

Indicates a strong determination or resolve.

partiality to

Implies a bias or favoritism towards something.

affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or attraction.

predilection for

Emphasizes a strong liking or preference.

taste for

Indicates a liking or enjoyment of something, often implying a cultivated appreciation.

disposition to

Focuses on one's temperament and character which contributes to one's behaviour.

FAQs

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

You can use "inclination toward" to describe someone's tendency or preference. For instance, "She has an inclination toward creative pursuits" or "The company showed an inclination toward sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "inclination toward"?

Alternatives include "tendency to", "leaning towards", "predisposition to", or "propensity for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "inclination towards"?

While "inclination toward" is more common, "inclination towards" is also grammatically acceptable, though less frequently used. Both phrases carry the same meaning, but "inclination toward" is often preferred for its conciseness.

What's the difference between "inclination toward" and "desire for"?

"Inclination toward" suggests a natural tendency or leaning, while "desire for" implies a strong feeling of wanting something. You might have an inclination toward quiet activities, but a desire for adventure.