propensity to change

USAGE SUMMARY

"propensity to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express a tendency to modify, shift, or adapt one's behaviour or attitude. For example: I've noticed that my teenage daughter has a propensity to change her mind quite quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

What about François-Henri's propensity to change rockets?

The New York Times

A propensity to change car ownership level can emerge from this.

Journal of Transport Geography

Howard called his main types not "forms" but "modifications," underscoring their propensity to change shape and texture.

The New York Times - Books

Those cases found that juveniles differ from adults, in mental development and in propensity to change patterns of behaviour.

The Economist

In calculus, the first derivative of a curve at any point refers not to the position of the point but to its propensity to change its position; not where an object is but how it moves.

The New Yorker

Commuters' responses to travel information were analysed and a number of discrete choice models were developed to determine the factors influencing drivers' behaviour and their propensity to change route and adjust travel patterns.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The advent of likelihood methods has not yet been followed by a linguistic and theoretical framework that embraces evolutionary states with propensities to change (as for example in a Markovian process).

Biological Procedures Online

It is commonly observed, however, that different individuals react differently to the same situation [ 38, 39] – some individuals have the propensity to swiftly change partner, whereas others remain connected even though they are dissatisfied with the behaviour of their partners.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

To test for outmigration, I model the propensity of natives to change locales in response to Southern immigration.

IZA Journal of Migration

The propensity for voters to change their minds at the last minute -- although still high -- is lower than in a caucus situation.

Huffington Post

The propensity for voters to change their minds at the last minute -- although still high -- is lower than in a caucus situation….It would have been a huge upset for Sanders or Trump to lose.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing inherent qualities or predispositions, use "propensity to change" to emphasize a natural inclination toward transformation or modification, as opposed to a forced or circumstantial change.

Common error

While "propensity to change" suggests a strong likelihood, avoid implying absolute certainty. Instead, frame the statement to acknowledge potential resistance or mitigating factors that could influence the actual outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "propensity to change" functions as a noun phrase, describing a tendency or inclination toward transformation or adaptation. It qualifies a subject by attributing to it the characteristic of being likely to change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propensity to change" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a tendency or inclination towards transformation or adaptation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for use in written English. While not extremely common, the phrase sees usage across various fields, including science, news media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, consider whether "inclination to change", "tendency to change" or "potential for change" might better suit the specific context. Remember to avoid overstating certainty when using this phrase and acknowledge any factors that might affect the actual change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination to change

Uses 'inclination' instead of 'propensity', suggesting a leaning or preference for change.

tendency to change

Replaces 'propensity' with 'tendency', highlighting a predisposition or likelihood of change.

likelihood of change

Focuses on the probability of change occurring.

potential for change

Emphasizes the possibility or capacity for change.

readiness to change

Highlights the willingness or preparedness to undergo change.

susceptibility to change

Indicates a vulnerability or openness to being changed.

capacity for change

Focuses on the inherent ability or capability to change.

ability to adapt

Shifts the focus to adaptive capabilities, implying a change in response to circumstances.

adaptability

A more concise, noun-based way to express the quality of being able to change.

openness to change

Highlights the receptiveness and willingness to embrace changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "propensity to change" to describe someone or something that naturally tends to transform or adapt. For instance, "The virus has a high propensity to change its genetic structure" or "The company seeks employees with a high propensity to change and learn new skills".

What are some alternatives to "propensity to change"?

Some alternatives include "inclination to change", "tendency to change", "likelihood of change", or "potential for change". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "propensity to change" or "ability to change"?

"Propensity to change" implies a natural inclination or tendency, while "ability to change" focuses on the capability or skill to adapt. Use "propensity" when you want to highlight an inherent characteristic, and "ability" when you want to emphasize the capacity to adapt.

What does "propensity to change" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "propensity to change" often refers to the inherent capacity of a system, organism, or substance to undergo modifications or transformations, frequently concerning genetic mutations or shifts in physical properties. For example, "As this fact is well established that PPRV has propensity to change genetically, N gene based phylogenetic analysis was performed in this study."