"have a tendency to" vs "are inclined to"

Question

"have a tendency to" vs "are inclined to"

Both "have a tendency to" and "are inclined to" are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably to express a propensity or inclination towards a certain behavior or action. They are both commonly used in English and convey a similar meaning.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used to describe a repeated pattern of behavior or a likelihood of doing something. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

Children have a tendency to ask a lot of questions.
He has a tendency to arrive late to meetings.
She has a tendency to overthink things.
People have a tendency to procrastinate when faced with difficult tasks.
The car has a tendency to overheat in hot weather.

Alternatives:

are prone to
tend to
have a habit of
have a proclivity for
have a predisposition to

This phrase is used to suggest a natural tendency or preference towards a certain behavior. It is often followed by a verb.

Examples:

She is inclined to believe the best in people.
They are inclined to take risks in their business ventures.
He is inclined to help others in need.
The cat is inclined to sleep in the sun.
Students are inclined to perform better when they are well-rested.

Alternatives:

have a tendency to
are prone to
tend to
have a habit of
have a proclivity for

Answer 1

have a tendency to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a habitual or likely behavior.

Answer 2

are inclined to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a tendency or preference towards a particular action or behavior.

"have a tendency to" vs "are inclined to"

have a tendency to

are inclined to

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