natural propensity

USAGE SUMMARY

"natural propensity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's natural ability or inclination to do something. For example, "He showed a natural propensity for problem solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather than looking to established religions, though, McCarthy contends that we need to embrace our natural propensity to take joy in nature.

Independent

And there's a natural propensity for someone who's a songwriter to react to events around you.

The Guardian - Music

This finding held regardless of their natural propensity for self-control, as measured at the start of our study.

Harvard Business Review

"The natural propensity of a bureaucracy is not to have a decision... to chew this cud until there's no taste at all.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, while the discovery of such "creativity genes" indicates that certain people may have a natural propensity for divergent thinking, this does not tell the whole story.

The Guardian

Humans have telltale signs in their physiology like the male's largish testes and the size difference between the sexes that indicate that their natural propensity is mildly promiscuous.

The New York Times - Science

France's seemingly natural propensity to intervene is reinforced in this case by three key factors: Sarkozy, Gaddafi, and the context of a wider Arab revolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The natural propensity for hematopoietic stem cells to repair the liver is poor," said Dr. Markus Grompe, a liver expert at the Oregon Health and Science University.

The New York Times - Science

Enter Aisholpan, a rosy-cheeked, exuberant 13-year-old daughter of an eagle hunter with a natural propensity to follow in her father's footsteps.

The Guardian - Film

He had on a felt hat and a striped blanket coat, was "much inclined to strong drink," and had "a natural propensity to steal".

The New Yorker

Mice, like humans, are a social species and have a natural propensity to seek out the security and pleasure afforded by stable social scenarios.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abilities, use "natural propensity" to highlight innate talents or tendencies. For example: "She has a "natural propensity" for music."

Common error

Avoid using "natural propensity" to describe skills that are learned or acquired through training. "Natural propensity" should refer to inherent, inborn tendencies, not developed abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural propensity" functions as a noun phrase, where "natural" modifies "propensity". It describes an inherent or innate inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "natural propensity" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes an inherent inclination or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While applicable across various contexts, it's most frequently found in scientific, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately describes inborn tendencies rather than acquired skills, and consider alternatives like "natural inclination" or "inherent tendency" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural proclivity

Uses "proclivity" as a direct synonym for "propensity", indicating a natural inclination.

natural inclination

Replaces "propensity" with "inclination", emphasizing a leaning or tendency.

inborn inclination

Emphasizes that the inclination is present from birth.

inherent tendency

Substitutes "natural" with "inherent" and "propensity" with "tendency", stressing an inborn characteristic.

natural predisposition

Replaces "propensity" with "predisposition", focusing on a pre-existing inclination.

native tendency

Native is used in place of natural to imply something you are born with

innate disposition

Uses "innate" and "disposition" to highlight an inborn nature and a state of mind.

natural bent

Replaces "propensity" with "bent", suggesting a natural talent or inclination toward something.

natural aptitude

Emphasizes a natural talent or skill, rather than a general inclination.

natural gift

Focuses on an inherent talent or ability.

FAQs

What does "natural propensity" mean?

The phrase "natural propensity" refers to an inherent inclination, tendency, or talent that someone possesses from birth or that is deeply ingrained in their nature.

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

You can use "natural propensity" to describe someone's innate talent or inclination towards something. For instance, "He has a "natural propensity" for mathematics" or "Her "natural propensity" for leadership made her an excellent team captain."

What are some alternatives to "natural propensity"?

Some alternatives include "natural inclination", "inherent tendency", "innate disposition", or "natural predisposition".

Is it correct to say someone has a "natural propensity" for a learned skill?

While technically correct, it's more precise to use "natural propensity" to describe inherent talents rather than learned skills. For skills developed through practice, terms like "aptitude" or "talent" might be more appropriate.