second inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "second inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secondary tendency or preference in a particular context, often when discussing choices or decisions. Example: "After considering my first inclination, I found that my second inclination was to pursue a career in teaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Second, inclination of maxillary incisors was significantly correlated with those of the maxillary alveolar border and axis of the incisive canal.

Progress in Orthodontics

It was his second inclination late Friday night, when he released a video saying he was, indeed, sorry, before segueing into an attack on Clinton and his wife, Hillary, the Democratic presidential nominee.

Los Angeles Times

It was his second inclination early Saturday morning, when he released a video saying he was, indeed, sorry, before segueing into an attack on Clinton and his wife, Hillary, the Democratic presidential nominee.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Your first inclination is to toss it.

The New York Times

"Even just winning something," our first inclination was to say.

The New Yorker

My first inclination was Burger King; he pronounced it "poison".

The New York Times

"Our first inclination was that he die," Mr. Winick said.

The New York Times - Arts

To be fair, this is my first inclination for most requests.

The New Yorker

Hatch's first inclination was to cancel the season before it started.

The New York Times - Sports

His first inclination was to see one pitch, and then go.

The New York Times - Sports

Her first inclination had been to perform the complete Schubert sonatas.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "second inclination", ensure that the context clearly establishes the "first inclination" to avoid ambiguity. This provides a clearer understanding of the shift in preference or action.

Common error

Avoid using "second inclination" to describe a state of indecisiveness. The phrase implies a clear initial preference followed by a subsequent, different preference, not a lack of initial decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second inclination" functions as a noun phrase that signifies an alternative or subsequent tendency, preference, or impulse. It indicates a shift from an initial inclination to another. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "second inclination" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subsequent or alternative preference or tendency following an initial one. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it is found primarily in news and media, as well as some scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to distinguish it from mere indecision. Consider using alternatives like "secondary impulse" or "alternative tendency" to fine-tune the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secondary impulse

Changes "inclination" to "impulse", suggesting a slightly more spontaneous or less considered feeling.

alternative tendency

Replaces "inclination" with "tendency", emphasizing a habitual way of behaving or reacting.

subsequent preference

Substitutes "inclination" with "preference", highlighting a conscious choice made after initial consideration.

later leaning

Uses "leaning" instead of "inclination", implying a direction or bias that develops over time.

second thought

Refers to a reconsideration or change of mind after an initial idea.

revised intention

Highlights a change in purpose or plan, suggesting a more deliberate adjustment.

alternative desire

Switches "inclination" to "desire", emphasizing a strong feeling of wanting something different.

follow-up urge

Implies a compulsion or drive that arises after an initial stimulus.

secondary disposition

Replaces "inclination" with "disposition", pointing to an inherent quality or tendency of character.

additional propensity

Emphasizes a natural tendency or inclination, suggesting a predisposition towards a particular behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "second inclination" in a sentence?

You can use "second inclination" to describe an alternative preference or course of action considered after an initial one, as in "After considering my first inclination, I found that my "second inclination" was to pursue a career in teaching."

What can I say instead of "second inclination"?

You can use alternatives like "secondary impulse", "alternative tendency", or "subsequent preference" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "first inclination" and "second inclination"?

"First inclination" refers to the initial thought, feeling, or action one is inclined towards, while ""second inclination"" indicates a subsequent or alternative thought, feeling, or action considered or adopted after the first.

Is it always necessary to state the "first inclination" when using "second inclination"?

While not always strictly necessary, providing context about the first inclination often helps clarify the reason for the shift and makes the ""second inclination"" more meaningful and understandable.