predisposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"predisposed to" is a valid phrase in English and can be used in both spoken and written English.
It usually means to be inclined or likely to do something. For example: "He was predisposed to taking risks, which sometimes led to poor decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'm predisposed to hold back".

The New Yorker

I'm predisposed to it.

The Guardian

Some people are predisposed to this condition.

Britannica

Keïta was predisposed to strong statements.

The New York Times - Arts

Chefs are vocationally predisposed to generosity.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mind seems predisposed to do this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Europe seems institutionally predisposed to Finlandisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

So they're not psychologically predisposed to addiction.

The New Yorker

They're predisposed to dislike each other".

The New York Times - Style

"I came predisposed to like it," Father Kantzavelos said.

The New York Times

The public is probably predisposed to like Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "predisposed to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is inclined towards. For example, "She is predisposed to anxiety" is clearer than just "She is predisposed."

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "predisposed to" something guarantees its occurrence. Predisposition indicates increased likelihood, not certainty. For example, being genetically predisposed to a disease doesn't mean you will definitely develop it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predisposed to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a tendency or inclination. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates a higher likelihood of something occurring or someone behaving in a certain way. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts like being "genetically predisposed" or "psychologically predisposed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predisposed to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an increased likelihood or tendency towards something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's frequently used across diverse domains, especially in News & Media and Science, suggesting a leaning or vulnerability. Alternatives such as "inclined to" or "prone to" can be used depending on the desired nuance. A key consideration is that predisposition does not guarantee an outcome, but rather suggests a higher probability. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the wide range of contexts in which this phrase can be effectively employed, from genetic predispositions to behavioral tendencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disposed to

A more formal alternative, similar in meaning but less common in everyday speech.

inclined towards

Focuses more on a leaning or preference in a specific direction.

prone to

Highlights a higher likelihood of experiencing something, often negative.

susceptible to

Emphasizes vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

liable to

Indicates a legal or probable responsibility or tendency.

vulnerable to

Highlights a weakness or lack of protection against something.

apt to

Suggests a natural or habitual tendency.

tending to

Describes a current or ongoing inclination.

having a tendency to

A more descriptive way of stating an inclination.

geared towards

Suggests that something is designed or arranged to achieve a specific purpose or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "predisposed to" to indicate that someone is more likely to behave in a certain way or develop a condition. For example, "Because of his family history, he is "genetically predisposed to" heart disease".

What are some alternatives to "predisposed to"?

Alternatives to "predisposed to" include "inclined to", "prone to", "susceptible to", and "disposed to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "predisposed for" something?

No, the correct construction is "predisposed to". Using "for" instead of "to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "predisposed to" and "susceptible to"?

"Predisposed to" suggests a higher likelihood due to inherent factors, while ""susceptible to"" emphasizes vulnerability to external influences. Someone could be "predisposed to" anxiety due to genetics, but "susceptible to" peer pressure due to personality.