show a propensity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show a propensity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or characteristic. Example: "The study revealed that children who are exposed to music at an early age show a propensity for better cognitive skills later in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Your honor, that would show a propensity for stealing golf clubs," Mr. Denvir replied.

The New York Times

Children who show a propensity for extreme aggression at young ages often have low levels of a hormone produced by the body during times of fear or stress, researchers have found.

The New York Times - Health

Gerald F. Uelmen, a professor of law at Santa Clara University School of Law, said the most significant change in the law for Mr. Jackson might be one that allows prosecutors to introduce evidence of prior offenses to help show "a propensity" to commit an offense.

The New York Times

Increasing the initial moisture content from 0%to30%0% has a weak influence; nonetheless, wetter fuels show a propensity to amplify channelling.

Combustion and Flame

The pattern of findings suggests that in the presence of an observer, high pain catastrophizers show a propensity to engage in strategies that more effectively communicate their pain, and are less likely to engage in strategies that might minimize pain.

Pain

Many turtle species do show a propensity for homosexuality in a single-sex environment.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

If they were lax in the midfield, Senegal's Lions showed a propensity to rescue themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

He enrolled in 10th grade at Tully High School and showed a propensity for running.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevadans of recent years have shown a propensity for rewarding major candidates almost evenly.

The New York Times

"Customers have shown a propensity to get all the service they can from one provider".

The New York Times

Although he would not mention names, Mr. Hevesi and Mr. Green, in particular, have shown a propensity to be, well, talkative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "show a propensity", ensure that the subject's tendency is clearly linked to a specific behavior or characteristic. Avoid vague or general statements.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone "shows a propensity" for something, they will always act in that way. A propensity is an inclination, not a guarantee.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show a propensity" functions as a verb phrase, expressing the act of exhibiting a tendency or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, especially in contexts where observable behaviors are linked to underlying predispositions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show a propensity" is a commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of demonstrating an inclination or tendency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in scientific and news contexts. To enhance your writing, ensure the subject's tendency is clearly linked to a specific behavior, and avoid overgeneralizing from a propensity to a certainty. Alternative phrases like "demonstrate a tendency" or "exhibit an inclination" can be used to add variety. Remember that having a propensity does not guarantee a particular outcome, but rather indicates a likelihood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demonstrate a tendency

Replaces "propensity" with "tendency", providing a more general term for inclination.

exhibit an inclination

Uses "exhibit" and "inclination", suggesting a more visible or noticeable leaning.

display a proclivity

Substitutes "propensity" with "proclivity", offering a more formal synonym.

reveal a disposition

Replaces "show" with "reveal" and "propensity" with "disposition", implying an underlying nature.

indicate a readiness

Uses "readiness" instead of "propensity", highlighting a state of being prepared or willing.

manifest a leaning

Employs "manifest" and "leaning", suggesting a visible or obvious inclination.

evidence an aptitude

Replaces "propensity" with "aptitude", focusing on a natural ability or skill.

suggest a susceptibility

Uses "susceptibility", implying a vulnerability or likelihood to be affected by something.

present a disposition

Suggests revealing one's mindset about something

betray a fondness

Implies a sentimental/emotional attachement to something

FAQs

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

Use "show a propensity" to describe a tendency or inclination toward a particular behavior or characteristic. For example, "The data indicates that individuals who exercise regularly "show a propensity" for better cardiovascular health."

What are some alternatives to "show a propensity"?

You can use alternatives such as "demonstrate a tendency", "exhibit an inclination", or "display a proclivity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shown a propensity" instead of "show a propensity"?

"Shown a propensity" is the past participle form, often used in perfect tenses (e.g., "They have shown a propensity for innovation"). "Show a propensity" is the base form, used in simple present tense or with modal verbs (e.g., "They show a propensity for innovation").

What is the difference between "show a propensity" and "have a propensity"?

"Show a propensity" describes the act of demonstrating a tendency through actions or behaviors. "Have a propensity" indicates the existence of an inherent inclination or tendency, whether or not it's currently being displayed.