we are predisposed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are predisposed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a natural inclination or tendency towards something, often in a psychological or behavioral context. Example: "Due to our upbringing and experiences, we are predisposed to certain beliefs and attitudes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"We are predisposed to see the social landscape in terms of gender," says Spelke.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are predisposed to say yes, even if we know it isn't right.

The New Yorker

We are predisposed to heed the rhythms and pitch of people talking and noises that might indicate threat.

The Guardian - Film

We are predisposed to recognize "human artifacture," he said, and roundness can be a mark of our handiwork.

The New York Times - Science

We are predisposed to talking about ideas and politics; we have a lot of words for doing so.

The Guardian

When people arrived in the surgery complaining of pain or insomnia "we are predisposed to believe what people tell us", he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Also: At NPR's 13.7 blog, Alva Noë tries to explain why we're predisposed to cough at concerts.

The New York Times

So when our water glasses weren't refilled as quickly as we needed — especially given the spicy food — we were predisposed to grumble.

The New York Times

Radio 4's The Human Zoo kicked off a new series this week, taking a look at "declinism" – the idea that we're predisposed to view the past favourably, and worry that the future is going to be dire.

The Guardian

If we're predisposed to look for clues that Obama is all about "me me me," then every "me" he utters takes on outsize importance in our impressionistic view of his speechifying.

The New York Times - Books

In the opposite corner we have Gary Taubes, the science journalist who has thrown in his lot with the high-fat, high-protein crowd, arguing in his new book that the overweight should just put down their apples and walk away: "If we're predisposed to put on fat, it's a good bet that most fruit will make the problem worse, not better".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are predisposed to" when you want to emphasize a deeply ingrained inclination or tendency, often rooted in genetics, evolution, or early experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "we are predisposed to" when the inclination is merely a preference or a learned behavior that can be easily changed. It's best suited for tendencies that are relatively stable and difficult to overcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are predisposed to" functions as a descriptor, indicating a natural tendency or inclination. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and usable, highlighting its role in explaining inherent biases or propensities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are predisposed to" effectively conveys a natural inclination or tendency, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its use is grammatically correct and relatively common, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the tendency being described is deeply ingrained, avoiding its use for mere preferences. Alternatives such as ""we tend to"" or ""we are inclined to"" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "we are predisposed to" is a valuable tool for explaining underlying motivations and behaviors in a clear and authoritative manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are inclined to

This is a more formal alternative, indicating a leaning or preference towards something.

we tend to

This alternative is shorter and more direct, suggesting a general habit or tendency.

we have a tendency to

This is a slightly more verbose way of expressing a habitual behavior or inclination.

we are apt to

This indicates a natural or habitual tendency, often implying ease or quickness.

we are prone to

This suggests a susceptibility or vulnerability to something, often negative.

we are susceptible to

Similar to "prone to", this indicates vulnerability, often in a negative context.

we are given to

This suggests a habitual or frequent engagement in something.

we are liable to

This suggests a legal or probable consequence, indicating a risk or likelihood.

we are wont to

A more archaic and formal way of saying "we are accustomed to" or "we tend to".

we gravitate towards

This implies a natural attraction or movement towards something.

FAQs

What does "we are predisposed to" mean?

The phrase "we are predisposed to" means that we have a natural tendency or inclination towards something. It suggests that we are more likely to think, feel, or behave in a certain way due to our nature or past experiences.

How can I use "we are predisposed to" in a sentence?

You can use "we are predisposed to" to explain why people tend to do certain things. For example, "Due to our evolutionary history, "we are predisposed to" seek social connections." Remember to use it when describing a deep-rooted inclination.

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

You can use alternatives like "we tend to", "we are inclined to", or "we are prone to" depending on the context.

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

Yes, it is correct to say "we are predisposed to". It's a grammatically sound and widely accepted phrase in English, used to express a natural inclination or tendency.