intellectual tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular inclination or predisposition towards intellectual pursuits or ways of thinking. Example: "Her intellectual tendency towards critical analysis made her an excellent researcher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The proof is in Westminster's most voguish intellectual tendency.

Independent

Despite all these gains, the prevailing intellectual tendency these days is to apologize for free trade.

The New York Times

The book was an argument against what Pinker saw as an intellectual tendency to dismiss any discussion of human nature as inherently racist, sexist and reactionary.

The Guardian

This intellectual tendency became his philosophic concern during the succeeding years.

SEP

Structuralism is an intellectual tendency that seeks to understand and explain social reality in terms of social structures.

International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences

Husserl and the phenomenological movement, and Freud and the psychoanalytical movement, presented for Ortega the new "intellectual tendency of our times subjectivism, or subjectivistic relativism" (Obras, 12: 412).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

American anthropology divided between two intellectual tendencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Three broader cultural and intellectual tendencies had a profound impact on Baroque art as well as Baroque music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He brought his own emotional and intellectual tendencies to "the ancients," but from them he drew the conceptual substance of his thought.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the NGO critics, scores of whom were invited to discuss the new report while it was in preparation, gave these intellectual tendencies a mighty push.Again, whether the developing countries will benefit is very much in doubt.

The Economist

In 19th century German-speaking areas, there were some intellectual tendencies that promoted the acceptance of the actual infinite (e.g., a revival of Leibniz's thought).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing broad societal shifts in thought, use "intellectual tendency" to highlight the direction and momentum of ideas within a specific group or period.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual tendency" when referring to individual quirks or preferences. Instead, reserve it for describing widespread patterns of thought within a community or culture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual tendency" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a characteristic inclination or leaning towards particular modes of thought or intellectual pursuits. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in describing broad trends and specific biases.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intellectual tendency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a characteristic leaning toward particular modes of thought. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, while analysis reveals its prevalence in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "intellectual inclination" or "intellectual trend" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to reserve its usage to broad patterns of thought, rather than individual preferences. "Intellectual tendency" serves as a valuable tool for dissecting prevailing ideas within a community, culture, or specific field.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual inclination

Focuses more on a leaning or preference in intellectual matters.

intellectual trend

Emphasizes a current direction or vogue in intellectual thought.

cognitive bias

Highlights a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

intellectual orientation

Refers to a general direction of intellectual interest or focus.

psychological tendency

Broader, encompassing mental or emotional inclinations, not exclusively intellectual.

academic bent

Relates specifically to a leaning towards academic or scholarly pursuits.

philosophical leaning

Specifically refers to a predisposition towards a particular philosophical viewpoint.

mental predisposition

Highlights a pre-existing state of mind affecting intellectual activity.

intellectual habit

Underscores the routine or customary nature of a particular way of thinking.

predilection for abstract thought

Specifies a preference or special liking for thinking about abstract concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual tendency" in a sentence?

You can use "intellectual tendency" to describe a common inclination or direction in thinking. For example, "There is an "intellectual tendency" to oversimplify complex issues in political discourse."

What are some alternatives to using "intellectual tendency"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "intellectual inclination", "intellectual trend", or "cognitive bias" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "intellectual tendency" in formal writing?

Yes, "intellectual tendency" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing patterns of thought in academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "intellectual tendency" and "psychological tendency"?

"Intellectual tendency" refers specifically to inclinations in thinking and reasoning, while "psychological tendency" is a broader term encompassing mental and emotional inclinations.