is apt to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is apt to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something is likely or prone to happen. Here are three examples: 1. She is apt to make mistakes when she's in a rush. 2. Children are apt to get restless during long car rides. 3. After a few drinks, he is apt to say things he doesn't mean.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Progress, however, is apt to come slowly.

The New York Times - Sports

Poring over calendars is apt to give people round should-.

The New Yorker

One is apt to use language for other purposes.

The New York Times

Not that anyone is apt to forget it.

The New York Times - Sports

At this point neither coach is apt to change.

The New York Times - Sports

It is apt to have had experience with similar situations.

The New York Times - Magazine

When effort is invisible it is apt to be undervalued.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The sector is apt to blame others for our plight.

The Times

Under the transient condition, the seabed is apt to liquefy.

Geotextiles and Geomembranes

The reader is apt to leaf ahead looking for people.

The New York Times - Arts

The bill is apt to be considered next year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is apt to" when you want to express a reasonable expectation or likelihood, but avoid overusing it in contexts where more direct alternatives like "is likely to" would sound more natural.

Common error

Avoid using "is apt to" in very informal contexts, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "tends to" or "is likely to" in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is apt to" functions as a modal-like expression, indicating a tendency or probability. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in projecting future outcomes based on current conditions, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is apt to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating a likelihood or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and Ludwig examples demonstrate its wide application across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes lean towards a slightly more formal register. For more casual situations, alternatives like "is likely to" or "tends to" may be more appropriate. Use "is apt to" when you want to express a well-founded expectation about something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is likely to

Direct synonym indicating a high probability; slight difference in formality.

will probably

Expresses a high degree of certainty or expectation.

is inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something; implies a natural tendency.

can be expected to

Highlights that something is anticipated or foreseen based on current conditions.

is prone to

Highlights a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, often negative.

tends to

Indicates a habitual or recurring pattern of behavior or occurrence.

is disposed to

Suggests a natural inclination or readiness to do something.

is liable to

Similar to "is likely to", but often implies a negative consequence or obligation.

is subject to

Suggests being under the influence or control of something, or vulnerable to it.

is wont to

Archaic, indicates a customary or habitual action; less common in modern usage.

FAQs

What does "is apt to" mean?

"Is apt to" means something is likely or prone to happen. It indicates a tendency or reasonable expectation.

How can I use "is apt to" in a sentence?

You can use "is apt to" to describe expected outcomes or tendencies, such as "He "is apt to be" late if he doesn't set an alarm."

What can I say instead of "is apt to"?

You can use alternatives like "is likely to", "is inclined to", or "tends to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is apt to" and "is likely to"?

While both express probability, "is apt to" often carries a slightly more formal tone compared to "is likely to". They are largely interchangeable, but consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.