we are apt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are apt to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a tendency or likelihood to do something. Example: "In stressful situations, we are apt to make hasty decisions that we might later regret."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Nostalgia," we are apt to label this phenomenon.

The New Yorker

We are apt to go to war further.

The New York Times

We are apt to forget that Munch lived until 1944.

The Guardian - Arts

This is more Poe-iana than we are apt to see again for a long while.

The New York Times - Books

We are apt to be disappointed in the work as "Western," and blind to it as "African".

The New York Times - Arts

At 18 the 50-year-olds may seem ancient, but at 50 we are apt to say the same about the 80-year-olds.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And we're apt to call both of those scenarios stupid, albeit less stupid than the previous examples.

Independent

Lately they've become more bearish, so that tells me we're apt to have more of a ragged rise here like we've seen recently.

Forbes

In other words, if we don't have a depression and we have intermittent recessions like they've had in Japan, then we're apt to follow Japan and go another ten years or more on a slightly declining trend.

Forbes

We're apt to tell ourselves the lie, "I'll do it later," making it easier to postpone.

Huffington Post

The only difference between intervention and manipulation is communication, as we're apt to say, a fine line that's been all but erased in recent years.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are apt to", ensure the context clearly defines who "we" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "as researchers, we are apt to" or "as consumers, we are apt to" for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "we are apt to" can sometimes sound less direct than alternatives like "we will likely" or "we tend to", especially in formal or business writing. Consider the specific tone you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are apt to" functions as a modal expression indicating a tendency or likelihood. It suggests that, given certain circumstances or past experiences, the subject ("we") is likely to perform a particular action or exhibit a certain behavior. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are apt to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a tendency or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for expressing expectations or probabilities in various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While versatile, be mindful of its potential for indirectness in formal writing and consider using more direct alternatives like "we are likely to" when appropriate. The phrase enjoys broad usage, particularly in "News & Media" and "Science", making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are likely to

This alternative suggests a high probability or expectation of something happening.

we tend to

This option implies a habitual or common behavior or pattern.

we are inclined to

This suggests a predisposition or leaning towards a particular action or belief.

we are prone to

Indicates a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, often negative.

we are liable to

Implies a legal or potential responsibility or consequence.

we are wont to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying 'we are accustomed to'.

we have a tendency to

Highlights a recurring pattern or habit in our behavior.

we are predisposed to

Suggests an inherent or genetic inclination towards something.

we are given to

Implies a natural inclination or habit, often related to behavior.

we are susceptible to

Indicates a vulnerability or openness to influence or harm.

FAQs

What does "we are apt to" mean?

The phrase "we are apt to" means that "we" are likely or inclined to do something. It suggests a tendency or probability based on past experiences or common patterns.

What can I say instead of "we are apt to"?

You can use alternatives like "we are likely to", "we tend to", or "we are inclined to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we are apt to"?

Yes, "we are apt to" is grammatically correct and widely used in both written and spoken English. It is a valid way to express a tendency or likelihood.

In what contexts is "we are apt to" most appropriate?

"We are apt to" is suitable in a variety of contexts, including academic writing, news reporting, and general discussions where you want to express a common tendency. However, avoid overuse and consider alternatives in very formal settings.