predispose to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "predispose to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a tendency or inclination towards a particular condition or behavior. Example: "Genetic factors can predispose individuals to certain health issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Other researchers have hypothesized that certain personality traits, like a tendency to focus inward, may predispose to chronic dizziness, just as certain psychological traits may predispose to irritable-bowel syndrome or chronic-fatigue syndrome.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There is an argument for genome engineering in embryos to repair genes that clearly predispose to disease," says Perry.

The Guardian

However, in excess, insulin may predispose to a number of health issues including weight gain, heart disease and diabetes.

The Guardian

Moderate kidney disease may predispose to infection.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Muscle fatigue has been shown to predispose to injury [11].

Sports Medicine - Open

Background: Endometriosis appears to predispose to ovarian cancer.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Shorter disease history and infection predispose to puerperal exacerbation.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

Articular cartilage lesions predispose to the development of early osteoarthritis.

Reumatología Clínica

Obesity is known to predispose to sleep-related breathing disorders.

Chest

Several factors have been suggested to predispose to dacryolith formation.

Ophthalmology

Various static and dynamic factors can contribute to abnormal biomechanics which predispose to femoroacetabular impingement [19].

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predispose to", ensure the subject is clearly linked to the outcome it influences. For example, "Genetic factors predispose individuals to certain diseases."

Common error

Avoid implying certainty. "Predispose to" suggests increased likelihood, not guaranteed outcome. For example, it's more accurate to say "Smoking predisposes to lung cancer" than "Smoking causes lung cancer" because other factors are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predispose to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating that something makes someone or something more likely to experience a particular condition or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predispose to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates an increased likelihood of a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence in scientific and news contexts. While it doesn't imply a guaranteed result, it effectively communicates a significant influence. Use this phrase to highlight correlations and potential causal relationships, keeping in mind that the degree of influence isn't absolute. Remember to avoid "predispose for" as "predispose to" is the correct form.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

increase the risk of

Focuses on the heightened probability of a negative outcome.

lead to a tendency for

Highlights the development of a habitual inclination.

make liable to

Suggests legal or formal responsibility or susceptibility.

incline towards

Implies a leaning or natural preference.

be conducive to

Indicates that something helps or contributes to a particular result.

heighten the probability of

Stresses the increased likelihood of an event occurring.

set the stage for

Suggests preparing or creating the circumstances for a subsequent event.

open the door to

Implies creating an opportunity or possibility.

contribute to the development of

Focuses on the role of something in fostering the growth or emergence of a condition.

FAQs

How can I use "predispose to" in a sentence?

Use "predispose to" to indicate that something increases the likelihood of a particular condition or outcome. For example, "A sedentary lifestyle may "predispose to" weight gain".

What are some alternatives to "predispose to"?

You can use alternatives such as "make susceptible to", "increase the risk of", or "lead to a tendency for" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "predispose for" instead of "predispose to"?

No, the correct usage is "predispose to". "Predispose for" is not grammatically standard.

What is the difference between "predispose to" and "cause"?

"Predispose to" indicates an increased likelihood or susceptibility, while "cause" implies a direct and definitive relationship. Factors that "predispose to" a condition make it more likely, but do not guarantee its occurrence.