with an inclination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with an inclination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or preference towards something. Example: "She approached the project with an inclination towards innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To this end, an inclined solar radiation data from the site of Ghardaia, Algeria with an inclination angle equals to 32° for 2012 is used.

International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems

This work studies the coupled grooving and migration of an initially straight, inclined grain boundary ending at a horizontal free surface with an inclination angle β⪡1.

Acta Materialia

Two elbows, including two symmetrical inclined pipes, were used at the peak and the valley respectively, with an inclination angle of 0 30°.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

Leading the team is the captain, Caroline Seger, 26, a midfielder with an inclination for goals.

The New York Times

Progress M-27M orbits with an inclination of 51.6°, sweeping it over many of Earth's most populated areas.

The Guardian

Four unpiloted test flights flew with an inclination to the Equator of 42 to 43 degrees, meaning that they traveled as far north as that latitude.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Kaiser's congenial public persona masks a tightly wound perfectionist with an inclination to worry and a determination to have things go his way.

The New York Times - Arts

There was Betty Sessions, for example, a stamp collector from Washington with an inclination toward historical plays like "A Prisoner of Passion: The Paul Robeson Story".

The New York Times

To Coen and Nadler, TV and film journalists with an inclination for "conspiracy chasing," the resolution of the investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks was fishy.

The New York Times - Books

Unfortunately, Conway explains, the public tend to be very suspicious of things they don't understand, with an inclination to presume it's in some way perverted.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A show that was perhaps first intended to be a sassy comedy for those with an inclination towards musical theatre has become a phenomenal tribute to the underdog.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with an inclination" to subtly indicate a preference or leaning without explicitly stating a strong opinion. For example, "The data was analyzed with an inclination toward finding positive results."

Common error

Avoid using "with an inclination" when you mean to convey a sense of duty or requirement. "With an inclination" suggests a preference, not a necessity. For instance, instead of saying "He approached the task with an inclination to finish it", rather say that he approached it "with a determination".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with an inclination" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a tendency, leaning, or preference. It provides additional information about the subject's disposition or approach, as evidenced by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with an inclination" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express a tendency or preference. As supported by Ludwig's analysis, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse fields from science to news media. While it signals a leaning, it does not imply a firm commitment, allowing for nuanced communication. Common errors involve confusing "inclination" with obligation, highlighting the importance of understanding the subtle differences in meaning. Given its broad applicability, "with an inclination" remains a useful tool for expressing subtle preferences in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a predisposition

Focuses on a pre-existing tendency or likelihood.

predisposed to

Similar to having a predisposition, emphasizing likelihood.

with a propensity for

Emphasizes a natural inclination or tendency.

tending towards

Highlights a direction or leaning in behavior or thought.

having an affinity for

Suggests a natural liking or attraction to something.

leaning towards

Similar to tending, but implies a less decisive direction.

with a bias toward

Indicates a preference or prejudice in favor of something.

having a penchant for

Suggests a strong liking or fondness, often for something specific.

with a slant towards

Implies a particular perspective or angle.

exhibiting a tendency

Highlights the outward display of a particular behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "with an inclination" in a sentence?

Use "with an inclination" to express a tendency or preference. For example, "She reviewed the proposals "with an inclination" towards cost-effective solutions."

What are some alternatives to saying "with an inclination"?

You can use alternatives like "with a tendency", "with a propensity for", or "inclined to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "with an inclination to" or "inclined to"?

Both "with an inclination to" and "inclined to" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "With an inclination to" is more formal, while "inclined to" is more direct and common.

What's the difference between "with an inclination" and "with an intention"?

"With an inclination" suggests a tendency or preference, while "with an intention" implies a deliberate plan or purpose. Inclination is a predisposition, intention is a goal.