Meaning & use
be inclined
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
to have a slight preference or willingness to do something, or to think that something is probably true
Grammar: Used with 'to' + infinitive or 'to' + noun: be inclined to agree, be inclined to laziness. Often softened with 'rather' or 'more'.
Patterns
- be inclined to do something
- be inclined to something
- be inclined to think/believe/say
I'm inclined to believe her story because she has no reason to lie.
After a long day, he's inclined to just watch TV rather than cook.
The committee is inclined to accept the proposal, but wants more details.
phrasefixed phrase
to naturally tend to behave in a particular way or have a particular quality
Grammar: Often followed by 'to' + noun or 'towards' + noun: be inclined to exaggeration, be inclined towards optimism.
Patterns
- be inclined to something
- be inclined towards something
- be inclined to do something
She's inclined to forget names when she's nervous.
People in this region are inclined towards a more relaxed pace of life.
He's inclined to exaggerate when telling stories about his travels.
Common combinations
- be inclined to agree
- I'm inclined to agree with your assessment of the situation.
- be inclined to think
- She's inclined to think that the delay was unavoidable.
- be inclined towards
- He's inclined towards a career in medicine rather than law.
- be inclined to believe
- The jury was inclined to believe the witness's account.
Synonyms and how they differ
- tend
- Used as a verb, not an adjective: 'I tend to agree' is similar but more neutral and common in everyday speech.
- disposed
- More formal and often followed by 'to': 'well disposed to help'. It suggests a settled attitude rather than a slight preference.
- prone
- Used mainly for negative tendencies: 'prone to forget' means likely to forget, usually with a sense of weakness.
Opposites
Word family
- inclination noun
- A feeling or preference for something; also a tendency.
- disinclined adjective
- Not willing or not wanting to do something.
Commonly confused: be inclined or inclined?
be inclined vs inclined
As a single adjective, 'inclined' means sloping or leaning: 'an inclined plane'. The phrase 'be inclined' is about willingness or tendency.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'be inclined' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'be inclined' is followed by 'to' + infinitive: 'inclined to take'. Option A uses 'to' + -ing, which is not standard here. Option C omits 'to', and option D uses 'for' instead of 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “be inclined”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.