slight inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

"slight inclination" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means a small or subtle leaning or tendency towards something. Example: She had a slight inclination towards arts and crafts, but her true passion was in mathematics.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm not going to share it with you, but I had a slight inclination".

The New York Times

"I'm sure everyone had a slight inclination of what they thought it would be.

The New York Times

For his headings Niccoli preferred Roman capitals "italicized" by a slight inclination to the right.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It started off with only a slight inclination, about one degree, the scientists say in a paper in Nature, but quite rapidly developed its full tilt.

The New York Times - Science

What we understand by "indie" has changed almost beyond all recognition since this event began over a decade ago but some qualities - not least the enterprising spirit, and a slight inclination towards the cutesy among those appearing - remain constant.

The Guardian - Music

Furthermore, slight inclination of the axial of the columnar structures is observed.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But still Warren has not shown the slightest inclination towards pursuing the Democratic nomination.

The Guardian

I never prowled the London streets again, nor had the slightest inclination to do so.

The New Yorker

But I can't imagine anyone without children having the slightest inclination to own one.

The New York Times

Throughout the 1930s Moore displayed in his work not the slightest inclination to please the public.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The truth, however, is that Mr. Reagan as president has never shown the slightest inclination to pursue such an ambitious strategy," Mr. Podhoretz wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slight inclination" to describe a minor trend, preference, or physical angle. It suggests something is not strongly pronounced or definitive. Ensure context clarifies what is being inclined toward.

Common error

Avoid using "slight inclination" when the trend or angle is actually significant or obvious. Use stronger language like "strong inclination" or "pronounced slope" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight inclination" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "slight" modifies the noun "inclination". It describes a subtle leaning, tendency, or angle, often suggesting something not strongly pronounced. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used to express a minor deviation or preference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight inclination" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a minor leaning, tendency, or angle, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used across various contexts, but most frequently in Science and News & Media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the degree you're trying to convey, as overstating the inclination can be a common error. For alternatives, consider options like "minor tendency" or "small leaning", depending on the nuance you aim to capture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint tendency

Stresses how faint or subtle the tendency is

minor tendency

Focuses on the tendency aspect, emphasizing that it is not a strong preference.

small leaning

Highlights the directional aspect, indicating a slight shift in direction or preference.

small deviation

Focuses on a minimal departure from a straight line

gentle slope

Emphasizes the gradual nature of the incline, particularly in physical contexts.

mild bias

Focuses on the subjective aspect, suggesting a slight preference or prejudice.

hair's breadth

Indicates how little a measure differs from a straight line

subtle predisposition

Highlights the inherent tendency, implying a natural or innate inclination.

soft spot

Highlights a particular fondness that one may have

marginal propensity

Emphasizes the marginal degree of inclination towards something

FAQs

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

You can use "slight inclination" to describe a minor tendency or angle. For example, "He showed a slight inclination towards art over science" or "The roof had a slight inclination to allow for water runoff".

What's the difference between "slight inclination" and "strong inclination"?

"Slight inclination" indicates a minor tendency, while "strong inclination" signifies a much more definite and pronounced preference or angle. The choice depends on the degree of leaning you want to convey.

What can I say instead of "slight inclination"?

You can use alternatives like "minor tendency", "small leaning", or "gentle slope" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "slight inclination" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight inclination" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and precise way to describe a minor tendency or angle without being overly colloquial.