incline toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"incline toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express a preference for one option over another. For example, "Given the choice of going to the beach or to the mountains, I tend to incline toward the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What I really did was make my way up the little incline toward the trailer.

The New Yorker

Benech scampered joyfully up a muddy incline toward the center of the bosk.

The New Yorker

With official Lebanese acceptance, however, Hezbollah, despite its fiery statements, would probably incline toward restraint.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Dempsey's appetites, in contrast to Tyson's, seemed to incline toward dairy.

The New York Times - Sports

And when modern democracies turn technical thought into a separate domain, those modern democracies incline toward totalitarianism".

The New Yorker

They incline toward the Freudian reading of "Hamlet," which holds that Hamlet delays because he feels guilty.

The New Yorker

She remembered Sister Carol saying, "Callie, you are bright enough but you incline toward that which does not benefit you".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was inclining toward the Korzhakov option.

The New Yorker

President Obama seems inclined toward this view.

The New Yorker

He initially inclined toward abstract art.

The New York Times - Arts

She is inclined toward practicality.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incline toward" to subtly suggest a preference or tendency without making an explicit statement. This can be particularly useful in persuasive writing or when offering advice.

Common error

While "incline toward" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "tend to", "lean towards", or "favor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incline toward" functions as a verb phrase indicating a tendency, preference, or leaning in a particular direction. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is commonly used to express a non-committal but noticeable direction of thought or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "incline toward" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a tendency, preference, or leaning. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sees frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While "incline toward" is suitable for many situations, writers should consider synonyms like "tend to" or "lean towards" to avoid repetition. Remembering this advice will ensure clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be inclined to

Similar, but slightly less forceful than "incline toward".

tend to

A more general and common way to express a habitual or likely behavior.

lean towards

A more informal and direct synonym, suggesting a preference.

gravitate to

Suggests a natural attraction or movement towards something.

favor

A more formal term expressing approval or preference.

be predisposed to

Indicates a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

have a proclivity for

Suggests a natural tendency or habit.

show a preference for

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating a liking for something.

demonstrate an affinity for

Expresses a natural liking or connection.

be susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or tendency to be affected by something.

FAQs

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

You can use "incline toward" to express a preference or tendency. For example, "I "incline toward" classical music when I need to focus."

What's the difference between "incline toward" and "lean toward"?

"Incline toward" and "lean toward" are very similar, but "incline toward" can be slightly more formal. Both suggest a preference, but "lean toward" might imply a more conscious decision.

What are some alternatives to "incline toward"?

Some alternatives to "incline toward" include "tend to", "favor", and "gravitate to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "incline towards" grammatically correct?

While "incline toward" is the more common and generally preferred form, "incline towards" is also grammatically acceptable, though less frequently used. Both mean essentially the same thing.