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use of propensity



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Which sentense should I use? (I used to talk with him) | Expression: "I got lied to a lot."
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use of propensity Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:24 am  use of propensity
 

Hi,

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

Quote:
1. The program has a propensity to crash very unexpectedly
2. He had a propensity to rob kids of their lunch money

Thanks !
Lost_Soul
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use of propensity Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:23 am  use of propensity
 

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.
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use of propensity Mon Aug 11, 2008 16:58 pm  use of propensity
 

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... Laughing Wink
.
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use of propensity Mon Aug 11, 2008 18:51 pm  use of propensity
 

Thank you, Amy and Ralf. Now it is as clear as day to me Very Happy
Lost_Soul
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Which sentense should I use? (I used to talk with him) | Expression: "I got lied to a lot."
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