use of propensity

[Lost_Soul]

Hi,

Could you tell me if these sentences are naturally sounding?:

[Ralf]

Hi Alex,

I would use the word 'propensity' when referring to people. I have a propensity for gambling, but I don't show a propensity to engage in illegal betting.

The word 'tendency' would work better in your first sentence.
_________________
Test of English as a Foreign Language
TOEFL Preparation & TOEFL Vocabulary
Learn more: How to Become an English Teacher

[Yankee]

Hi Alex

I agree with Ralf that the word 'propensity' is mainly used in connection with people or groups of people (such a government, for example).

However, I think you will occasionally find it used in connection with other things (especially living things, such as animals or plants). So, if you used it in connection with a program in your PC, you would in essence be giving the program rather life-like/human behavioral characteristics. It seems to me it might be more appropriate to assign human behavioral traits to your PC instead. I know my PC seems to have a mind of its own...
.

[Lost_Soul]

Thank you, Amy and Ralf. Now it is as clear as day to me