natural tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

"natural tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an inclination or inclination of something to happen naturally, or to refer to an inclination or predisposition of a person or animal to act in a certain way. For example, "Cats have a natural tendency to seek out warm places, which is why they often curl up near sunny windows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His natural tendency was to avoid people.

The Guardian

The natural tendency has been fissiparious.

The Guardian

"The natural tendency is to run longer than 24 hours.

The New York Times

"As scientists, our natural tendency is to be conservative.

The New Yorker

But I think kids have a natural tendency to thrive.

The Guardian - Film

I mean, that's our natural tendency — to be hermits.

The New Yorker

"There's a natural tendency for everyone to think they're ordinary.

The Guardian - Money

Stretch goals have a natural tendency to increase speed.

Harvard Business Review

"My natural tendency is to regain," she said.

The New York Times - Health

He targeted those with a natural tendency to trust him.

The Economist

This reinforces politicians' natural tendency towards short-termism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing behaviors, use "natural tendency" to imply that the action is not necessarily learned but rather inherent or instinctive. For example, "Humans have a "natural tendency" to form social groups."

Common error

Avoid using "natural tendency" when describing behaviors that are consciously decided or learned. A planned strategy is not a "natural tendency"; it's a deliberate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "natural tendency" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an inherent predisposition or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "natural tendency" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes an inherent inclination or predisposition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember that "natural tendency" refers to something inherent rather than learned. Consider using alternatives like "inherent inclination" or "innate propensity" for nuanced meaning. Avoiding confusion with deliberate actions is crucial for accurate writing, ensuring that "natural tendency" accurately conveys the intended meaning of an inherent inclination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherent inclination

Emphasizes that the inclination is a built-in characteristic.

innate propensity

Highlights the inborn nature of the predisposition.

intrinsic disposition

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the tendency.

native proclivity

Stresses the inherent leaning towards something.

characteristic bent

Highlights the typical inclination or direction.

typical inclination

Focuses on the usual pattern or direction.

usual disposition

Highlights the common or customary way of acting.

established pattern

Emphasizes the repeated and predictable nature of the behavior.

ingrained habit

Focuses on the deeply rooted and difficult-to-change nature of the tendency.

predictable reaction

Highlights the expected response in a given situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "natural tendency" to describe an inherent inclination or predisposition. For example, "His "natural tendency" was to avoid confrontation."

What's a good alternative to "natural tendency"?

Alternatives include "inherent inclination", "innate propensity", or "intrinsic disposition".

Is it correct to say "natural tendency to" or "natural tendency of"?

"Natural tendency to" is more commonly used when referring to actions or behaviors. "Natural tendency of" is used to describe inherent characteristics. Both are grammatically correct but depend on the context.

What's the difference between "natural tendency" and "habit"?

"Natural tendency" implies an inherent or inborn inclination, while "habit" suggests a learned or acquired behavior. A habit is developed, whereas a "natural tendency" is present from the outset.