natural inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "natural inclination" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's instinctive or inherent tendency towards something. For example: - Her natural inclination towards music was evident from a young age. - John's natural inclination towards leadership made him the perfect candidate for the position. - Despite her parents' expectations, Sarah followed her natural inclination towards art rather than pursuing a career in law.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

My natural inclination is to tend towards the former.

The Guardian

Superstition is regarded as a fairly natural inclination.

The Guardian

The natural inclination is to think, "Too bad.

The Guardian - Sport

The natural inclination is to run away from them.

The New York Times

She tries to follow her husband, she said, but her natural inclination gets in the way.

The New York Times

Rock'n'roll is amorphous and mysterious and, I would argue, has a natural inclination to defy definition.

The Guardian - Music

I think his natural inclination would have been to go for John McCain.

The New York Times

He has forced her to be tougher on big money than her natural inclination".

The New Yorker

So there's a natural inclination for people to sit back and not be engaged".

The New York Times

Very much against my natural inclination, I have become an unlikely connoisseur of the festival scene.

The Guardian - Music

"My goal as curator is to challenge our natural inclination to remain inflexible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "natural inclination" to emphasize that a behavior or preference is not learned or forced, but rather an innate part of someone's character.

Common error

Avoid using "natural inclination" when describing purely instinctive behaviors. Instincts are automatic responses, while inclinations involve a degree of conscious preference or tendency. For example, breathing is an instinct, while preferring to read over watching TV is a "natural inclination".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural inclination" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an inherent tendency or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "natural inclination" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes an inherent tendency, preference, or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use in various contexts. It functions primarily to explain behavior stemming from an innate source. While applicable in neutral register, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. To enhance writing, be mindful to provide specific examples when using the phrase to give clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural tendency

Focuses on a predisposition to act or behave in a certain way.

natural propensity

Emphasizes an inherent inclination or leaning towards something.

innate predisposition

Highlights the inborn nature of the tendency.

inherent tendency

Stresses that the inclination is an essential part of someone or something.

intrinsic motivation

Highlights the internal drive behind the inclination.

natural aptitude

Implies a natural skill or talent for something.

natural gift

Conveys the idea of an inborn talent or ability.

native instinct

Focuses on an unlearned pattern of behavior.

natural bent

Suggests a particular direction or leaning.

personal preference

Emphasizes individual choice and liking.

FAQs

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

You can use "natural inclination" to describe someone's inherent tendency or preference. For instance, "Her "natural inclination" was to help others in need."

What are some alternatives to "natural inclination"?

Alternatives include "natural tendency", "natural propensity", or "inherent tendency", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "natural inclination for" or "natural inclination to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "natural inclination to" is more common when followed by a verb (e.g., "a natural inclination to help"), while "natural inclination for" is used before a noun (e.g., "a natural inclination for music").

What's the difference between "natural inclination" and "natural talent"?

"Natural inclination" refers to a tendency or preference, while "natural talent" implies an inherent ability or skill. Someone might have a "natural inclination" to write, but also possess a "natural talent" for painting.