propensity for change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "propensity for change" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to talk about a person, an organization, or a situation that has a tendency to change or behave differently. For example: John has always had a propensity for change, so it's no surprise that he's decided to explore a new career path.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cloud deployments have an inherent propensity for change.

Journal of Cloud Computing

If the past century is any indication of the automobile industry's propensity for change, it is clear that the green car of the future is following an evolutionary rather than revolutionary trajectory.

Forbes

A recent study has demonstrated that the over-expression of codons with silent mutations in C/ T is not merely a mechanism to reduce the propensity for change in C but is balanced by the use of more changeable codons and AAs [ 32].

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

First, researchers realized that a company's propensity for strategic change is profoundly affected by the interests of customers who provide the resources the firm needs to survive.

Harvard Business Review

We confirm that PCV7 vaccine selection pressure, antibiotic selection pressure, and SPN's propensity for genetic change appear to have created a "perfect storm" for MDR 19A emergence.

BMC Genomics

These changes are either related to the thoracic and lumbar deformities or are more likely due to this subgroup having a higher natural propensity for degenerative changes.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

"Spartan costumes and scenery, small company that is paid well, and a staff that wears many hats". However, his own propensity for hat-changes meant he was dogged by criticism throughout his career.

Los Angeles Times

In light of the increase metabolic syndrome symptoms observed in SZ patients on AAPs, as well as the important role of GHRL as a metabolic regulator and the association between GHRL SNPs and metabolic indices, we hypothesized that (1) GHRL might be a candidate gene for SZ and that (2) allelic variants of GHRL might be associated with the propensity for BMI changes induced by AAP treatment.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

In our propensity-adjusted analysis for change in SOFA-R from 0 to 48 h, the highest quartile of FiO2AUC was associated with improved SOFA-R compared to the lowest quartile (OR 0.41, 95% CI (0.19-0.88), P = 0.005) but there were no other significant differences in outcome across quartiles.

Critical Care

"Such theories abound, largely because Washington has shown a propensity for outsourcing regime change.

BBC

But this propensity for speed and change can also come at a cost i.e. new vulnerabilities are discovered every day and seemingly innocuous updates can cause applications to break.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "propensity for change" to describe a consistent pattern or inherent characteristic, not a one-time occurrence. For instance, "The company's propensity for change allowed it to adapt quickly to market shifts."

Common error

Avoid using "propensity for change" when simply indicating the possibility of change. "Propensity" implies an inherent tendency or predisposition, not just a chance occurrence. For example, instead of "Due to the economic downturn, there is a propensity for change in investment strategies", consider "likelihood" or "possibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propensity for change" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptor of an inherent characteristic or tendency. It highlights a predisposition towards alteration or transformation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propensity for change" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an inherent tendency or inclination towards change, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and business contexts, indicating a relatively neutral and professional register. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the idea of a predisposition to transformation. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a consistent pattern rather than a mere possibility. Consider alternatives like "inclination to change" or "potential for transformation" depending on the specific nuance. Avoid misusing "propensity" as a direct substitute for "likelihood" when simply indicating the possibility of change. While the examples are limited according to Ludwig, the phrase is valid and useful in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination to change

Replaces "propensity" with a synonym indicating a leaning or tendency.

tendency to change

Substitutes "propensity" with a more common synonym, focusing on habitual behavior.

potential for transformation

Shifts the focus to the possibility of change occurring.

aptitude for adaptation

Highlights the ability to adjust to changing circumstances.

predisposition to evolve

Emphasizes a natural inclination toward development and change.

susceptibility to alteration

Focuses on being easily influenced or affected by changes.

capacity for adjustment

Highlights the ability to modify or adapt as needed.

readiness to modify

Emphasizes a willingness to make changes or adjustments.

eagerness to reform

Highlights a strong desire for positive change and improvement.

appetite for novelty

Focuses on a desire for new experiences and deviations from the norm.

FAQs

What does "propensity for change" mean?

The phrase "propensity for change" refers to a natural inclination, tendency, or predisposition towards change. It suggests an inherent characteristic that makes someone or something likely to change.

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

You can use "propensity for change" to describe someone's personality or an organization's culture. For example, "Startups often have a higher "potential for transformation" than established corporations."

What are some alternatives to "propensity for change"?

Alternatives include "inclination to change", "tendency to change", or "potential for transformation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "propensity for change" formal or informal language?

"Propensity for change" is considered relatively formal language. In more casual contexts, you might opt for simpler phrases like "tendency to change" or "aptitude for adaptation".