a continual tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continual tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or ongoing inclination or pattern in behavior, thought, or action. Example: "There is a continual tendency among consumers to prefer online shopping over traditional retail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Because of the damage in the tail, the plane had a continual tendency to turn right, and without flight controls it was difficult to maintain a stable course.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Continue to seek out a continual future.

WikiHow

But catharsis is theoretically also thought to help us to individually fortify our own social sublimation -- to repress our antisocial, even criminal, yet natural tendencies, while elevating our higher consciousness through a continual exposure to depictions of socially lauded acts.

Huffington Post

"It's a continual rotation".

The New York Times

"It's a continual war.

The New York Times - Sports

Weather was a continual factor.

The New York Times - Sports

During locomotion, steering is a continual process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a continual hokey-pokey".

The New York Times

But protecting civilians was "a continual challenge".

The Economist

Moreover, early voting is a continual process.

The New York Times

It's a continual struggle.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a continual tendency", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing or influencing this tendency. Providing specific examples can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a continual tendency" is an unchangeable attribute. Even persistent inclinations can be modified or overcome with effort or intervention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continual tendency" functions as a noun phrase, where "continual" modifies "tendency". According to Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

23%

Wiki

14%

Huffington Post

12%

Less common in

The New Yorker

2%

The Washington Post

2%

Encyclopedia Britannica

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a continual tendency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a recurring inclination or pattern. While Ludwig identifies it as correct and usable, its frequency is rare, suggesting it's not the most common way to express this idea. The phrase appears in a variety of contexts, including news, encyclopedias and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the cause or influence behind the inclination and be mindful of not implying unchangeable permanence. Closely related phrases include "a persistent inclination" and "an ongoing predisposition", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent inclination

Emphasizes the stubbornness or resistance to change of the tendency.

an ongoing predisposition

Highlights a pre-existing inclination that is currently active.

a constant leaning

Suggests a consistent inclination towards a specific direction or outcome.

a recurring propensity

Focuses on the repeated nature of the tendency.

a habitual inclination

Emphasizes that tendency is part of a routine or habit.

a steady drift

Implies a gradual and continuous movement in a particular direction.

a chronic disposition

Suggests a long-lasting and possibly undesirable tendency.

a consistent pattern

Focuses on the observable regularity of the tendency.

a permanent bias

Highlights that the tendency is fixed or unlikely to change.

an unremitting urge

Emphasizes that the tendency is unstoppable and strong.

FAQs

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

You can use "a continual tendency" to describe an ongoing inclination or pattern. For example, "The project has a continual tendency to run over budget".

What's a good alternative to "a continual tendency"?

Alternatives include "a persistent inclination", "an ongoing predisposition", or "a constant leaning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a continual tendency" or "a continuous tendency"?

Both "continual" and "continuous" can work, but "continual" implies a recurring pattern with possible interruptions, while "continuous" suggests something happening without interruption. Therefore, "a continual tendency" might be more appropriate if the inclination isn't always present.

What does "a continual tendency" imply?

It implies that there's a recurring or persistent inclination or pattern in behavior or action, suggesting it's not just a one-time occurrence but something that happens repeatedly.