a common tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a behavior or pattern that is frequently observed among a group of people or in a particular context. Example: "There is a common tendency for people to procrastinate when faced with challenging tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The arrow teetered ambiguously between scorn and praise — a common tendency in Harrison's art.

The New Yorker

At this time the colours become brighter, with a common tendency toward red, and there may even be an intensification of the hue in moments of excitement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No matter how great the voice, whether it's Adele or Amy Winehouse, singing can have a bleaching effect on spoken accent in much popular song, with a common tendency towards the North American-sounding model.

The Guardian - Music

Vincent Canby wrote in The Times in 1980 that the movie "tears the lid off the apparently placid life at a WASPy country club to expose bigotry, ignorance, lust and a common tendency to cheat on the golf course".

The New York Times

It embraces a wide variety of movements, styles, theories, and attitudes, the modernity of which resides in a common tendency to repudiate past conventions and precedents in subject matter, mode of depiction, and painting technique alike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Without a good amount of work behind you or a long list of paid acting jobs, there's a common tendency to shy away from using titles like actor or playwright, perhaps because we live in a society where success and status are measured in terms of experience and financial reward.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Inclusion of a method factor removed from the model any common tendency to respond similarly to PWB items with either positive or negative item content.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

It's a fairly common tendency to become obsessive at the beginning of a relationship.

WikiHow

"It's a very common tendency: If you don't like the advice, get rid of the adviser," says Roger Pielke of the Center for Science and Technology Policy Research at the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Science Magazine

At present, a fairly common tendency is to use the antibacterial properties of certain ions, including silver (Ag+), copper (Cu2+), and zinc (Zn2+).

BioMed Research International

This could in part be due to a more general common tendency to conflate 'management' and 'governance' which are, in fact, very different terms, albeit often closely related.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "inclination" or "predisposition" for "tendency" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a common tendency" without providing sufficient evidence or context to support the claim. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common tendency" functions as a noun phrase that describes a prevalent behavior, inclination, or pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common tendency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a prevalent behavior or pattern. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It's frequently found in scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, clarity and contextual support are key to avoiding overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "a common inclination" or "a general trend" for variety. By providing a clear context and avoiding unsupported claims, you can effectively use the phrase "a common tendency" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common propensity

Replaces 'tendency' with 'propensity', indicating a natural inclination or inclination towards something.

a common inclination

Replaces 'tendency' with 'inclination', suggesting a predisposition or leaning towards something.

a shared inclination

Replaces 'common tendency' with 'shared inclination' to denote a feeling of wanting to do something that is common to everyone.

a common pattern

Substitutes 'tendency' with 'pattern', highlighting a recurring sequence or form of behavior.

a common predisposition

Substitutes 'tendency' with 'predisposition', emphasizing a pre-existing susceptibility or likelihood.

a typical pattern

Replaces 'common' with 'typical', highlighting that the pattern is representative of a group or situation.

a general trend

Emphasizes the broad direction or movement in a particular area; not necessarily behavior-related.

a prevalent habit

Replaces 'common' with 'prevalent' to suggest that the habit is widespread and well-established.

a frequent practice

Highlights the regularity of an action or behavior.

a usual habit

Focuses on a customary action or behavior that is frequently repeated.

FAQs

What does "a common tendency" mean?

It describes a behavior, inclination, or pattern that is frequently observed or shared among a group of people or within a specific context.

How can I use "a common tendency" in a sentence?

For example, "There is "a common tendency" to overestimate one's abilities" or ""A common tendency" among students is to procrastinate before exams."

What are some alternatives to "a common tendency"?

You could use phrases like "a common inclination", "a common propensity", or "a general trend" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a common tendency"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct. However, it may be inaccurate or misleading if the described tendency is not actually widespread or supported by evidence.