predisposed toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"predisposed toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to indicate that someone is likely to act in a certain way due to their predisposition. Example: The child seemed predisposed toward following his father's footsteps and becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Opinion

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

("You know me, genetically predisposed toward filial obligation").

The New York Times - Books

I will admit freely that I'm predisposed toward unions.

The New York Times

Some events in life are just predisposed toward it.

The New York Times - Books

Religious congregations are also ready-made communities that are predisposed toward service and good works.

The New York Times

There is a lot of sitting around, which lactating mothers are hormonally predisposed toward.

The New York Times

Entrapment turns on the question: were the accused predisposed toward violence?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

As far as whether or not Christians or any religious believers may be predisposed towards negative feelings towards porn, there is medical evidence that points toward why.

Vice

Everyone is predisposed towards something.

WikiHow

The general assumption was, and remains, that Judson's mania for power -- with his empire of orchestras, soloists and conductors, he was the Robert Moses of American classical music for half a century -- predisposed him toward conductors he could mentor or otherwise control.

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, we may end up not really learning from others but only confirming our predisposed attitudes toward our own company.

Forbes

European criticism was predisposed early on toward psychoanalytical approaches, which stressed the Spanish author's duality and ambiguity.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predisposed toward" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is naturally inclined or likely to behave in a particular way due to inherent qualities or prior experiences. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of predisposition. While someone might be "predisposed toward" a certain behavior, it doesn't guarantee that behavior will manifest. Other factors can still play a significant role.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "predisposed toward" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a tendency or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a leaning or susceptibility towards a specific outcome or behavior. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from genetics to personal preferences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predisposed toward" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote a natural inclination or tendency. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the idea that someone or something is likely to behave in a specific manner due to inherent qualities or past experiences. The phrase sees widespread use across varied authoritative sources like The New York Times, Washington Post, and Forbes, and is mostly used in News & Media and Science contexts. It's a valuable term for expressing potential outcomes shaped by underlying predispositions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined towards

Suggests a leaning or tendency toward something, similar to being predisposed but with a slightly weaker connotation.

disposed to

Indicates a readiness or willingness, akin to being predisposed but emphasizes the state of mind.

susceptible to

Highlights vulnerability or proneness, particularly in the context of diseases or negative influences.

prone to

Emphasizes a natural tendency or likelihood, often in the context of undesirable outcomes.

apt to

Implies a natural inclination or suitability, similar to predisposed but can also suggest skill or talent.

likely to

Indicates a high probability or expectation, focusing on the outcome rather than the inherent tendency.

tending to

Suggests a consistent pattern or behavior, highlighting the ongoing nature of the inclination.

geared towards

Implies designed or structured for a specific purpose, focusing on the arrangement or intention.

having a proclivity for

Highlights a strong inclination or fondness, emphasizing a personal preference or attraction.

with a bent for

Indicates a natural talent or aptitude, focusing on inherent abilities or skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "predisposed toward" to describe someone's inclination or tendency. For example, "Because of her family history, she is "predisposed toward" developing heart disease".

What are some alternatives to "predisposed toward"?

Alternatives include "inclined towards", "disposed to", or "prone to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "predisposed to" instead of "predisposed toward"?

While "predisposed to" is also correct, "predisposed toward" specifically suggests a directional leaning or inclination. Both are acceptable, but the latter emphasizes direction.

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

"Predisposed toward" implies a natural inclination or tendency, while "susceptible to" indicates a vulnerability or proneness to something, often negative, like a disease. The phrase "susceptible to" implies a higher risk.