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#2 (permalink) Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:23 am use of propensity |
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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 |
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Ralf Language Coach

Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 1564 Location: EU (Ireland and Germany)
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#3 (permalink) Mon Aug 11, 2008 15:58 pm use of propensity |
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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... :lol: :wink: . _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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#4 (permalink) Mon Aug 11, 2008 17:51 pm use of propensity |
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| Thank you, Amy and Ralf. Now it is as clear as day to me :D |
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Lost_Soul I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 1861 Location: South Park, Colorado, USA
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| Which sentense should I use? (I used to talk with him) | Expression: "I got lied to a lot." |