was inclined to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was inclined to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a tendency or a preference towards a particular action or thought in the past. Example: "She was inclined to agree with the proposal after hearing the arguments presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. MacEwen was inclined to agree.

The New York Times

Mr. Alhadeff was inclined to agree.

The New York Times

But she was inclined to believe it.

The New Yorker

I was inclined to agree.

The New York Times - Travel

He was inclined to do something.

The New Yorker

Neither was inclined to say much.

The New York Times

He was inclined to say yes.

The Guardian - Film

(Some believe he was inclined to extremes).

The New York Times

And I was inclined to banish meat altogether.

The New York Times - Food

In principle, James Madison was inclined to agree.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was inclined to believe I was at fault somehow.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was inclined to" to express a past tendency or willingness, ensuring that the context clearly supports the notion of a past disposition rather than a current one. For example, "He was inclined to help others before his accident."

Common error

Avoid using "was inclined to" when describing a current tendency. Use "is inclined to" or "tends to" instead to accurately reflect the present inclination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was inclined to" functions as a modal expression indicating a past tendency, disposition, or willingness to do something. It suggests a leaning towards a particular action or belief without necessarily implying that the action was always carried out. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was inclined to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a past tendency or willingness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its widespread presence across diverse sources, especially within News & Media. It is important to use it with the correct tense to accurately describe the timeframe. Alternatives like "tended to" or "was predisposed to" can be used to provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning. Avoid using "was inclined to" to refer to current inclinations. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "was inclined to" to add nuance and clarity to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tended to

Expresses a habitual or usual behavior in the past; slightly more general.

was predisposed to

Suggests a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility; implies a stronger influence.

leaned towards

Indicates a direction of thought or action; slightly more informal.

was disposed to

Formal alternative indicating a state of mind ready for a certain action.

felt like

More colloquial and implies an emotional inclination.

was apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood; slightly more formal and less common.

had a tendency to

Highlights a repeated pattern of behavior or thought.

gravitated towards

Suggests a natural movement or attraction; often used for ideas or choices.

was liable to

Implies a potential negative outcome or consequence.

favored

Indicates a preference or partiality; can be used for choices or opinions.

FAQs

What does "was inclined to" mean?

The phrase "was inclined to" means that someone had a tendency or willingness to do something in the past. It suggests a leaning or disposition towards a particular action or belief.

How can I use "was inclined to" in a sentence?

Use "was inclined to" to indicate a past tendency. For example, "She was inclined to agree with her colleague's suggestions during the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "was inclined to"?

You can use alternatives like "tended to", "was predisposed to", or "leaned towards" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "was inclined to" and "is inclined to"?

Yes, "was inclined to" refers to a past tendency, while "is inclined to" refers to a current tendency. Use the appropriate tense to match the time frame you're describing.