propensity for

USAGE SUMMARY

'propensity for' is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It indicates a natural inclination or tendency towards something. For example, "His propensity for telling stories made him a beloved fixture at family gatherings".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He has a great propensity for friendship.

The New Yorker

Strummer had his own propensity for depression.

The Guardian - Books

His propensity for proving doubters wrong is already obvious.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Duquette's propensity for embellishment is reflected in numerous lots.

The New York Times

(They share a propensity for tearing up during speeches).

The New Yorker

The result is a strong propensity for holding grudges.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Lemmon did not deny his propensity for sentimentality.

The New York Times

This propensity for metamorphosis, this alchemy, is our supreme privilege.

The Guardian - Books

The human propensity for violence and aggression seemed unstoppable.

The Guardian - Books

Cable television's propensity for broadcasting hours of Trump's rallies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Chicks under 3 weeks have a propensity for 'pasting up'.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propensity for" to describe a recurring behavior or characteristic. For example, "The company had a propensity for innovation".

Common error

Avoid using "propensity for" to describe one-time events. "Propensity" implies a pattern, not a singular occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propensity for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically acting as a complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a natural inclination or tendency towards something. The examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propensity for" is a commonly used phrase that signifies a natural inclination or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media and scientific domains. When writing, use "propensity for" to accurately describe recurring behaviors or characteristics, avoiding its use for singular events. Alternatives include "tendency to" or "inclination toward". Overall, understanding and correctly employing "propensity for" can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination toward

Replaces "propensity" with "inclination" and "for" with "toward", maintaining the core meaning of a tendency.

tendency to

Uses "tendency" as a direct synonym for "propensity", slightly simplifying the phrase.

predisposition to

Substitutes "propensity" with "predisposition", indicating a pre-existing inclination.

penchant for

Replaces "propensity" with "penchant", suggesting a strong liking or inclination.

aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural ability or talent, shifting the focus slightly from tendency to capability.

likeliness of

Focuses on the probability of something happening, rather than an inherent tendency.

vulnerability to

Indicates a susceptibility or weakness, implying a negative tendency.

predilection for

Uses a more formal synonym for "propensity", suggesting a preference or partiality.

natural inclination to

Elaborates on the inherent nature of the tendency, making it more descriptive.

susceptibility to

Highlights a vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

FAQs

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

Use "propensity for" to describe a natural inclination or tendency towards something. For example, "She has a "propensity for" hard work".

What's a good alternative to "propensity for"?

Alternatives include "tendency to", "inclination toward", or "predisposition to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "propensity of" might be grammatically understandable, ""propensity for"" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing.

What is the difference between "propensity for" and "potential for"?

"Propensity for" suggests an existing inclination, whereas "potential for" implies a capacity that may or may not be realized.