a marked tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a marked tendency' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is decidedly inclined towards a particular direction or tendency. For example, "There has been a marked tendency in this country towards the adoption of more environmentally-friendly practices in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, once the howitzers had started their bellowing, proletarian internationalism had a marked tendency to evaporate.

The New York Times - Books

Of course, that's the problem with formulae: they have a marked tendency to become a bit formulaic.

The Guardian - Music

I'm firmly persuaded that all politicians simply want to manipulate people; that, mixed with a marked tendency to kleptomania".

The Guardian

Even in less heated times, EU countries show a marked tendency to talk European but to act national.

The Economist

There was a marked tendency to orient titles, fiction and nonfiction, to the requirements of the school curriculum.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What responses he does give display a marked tendency to tail off apparently midway through: "When the volume dips away," he advises, "the answer's finished".

The Guardian - Music

Classmates remembered him as sickly and shy, though with a marked tendency, when angry, to throw whatever objects came to hand.

The New Yorker

Americans have a marked tendency to see foreign policy in moralistic terms as a battle of good against evil or western values against barbarism.

The Economist

It includes many of the plants that are distinctive to typical Australian vegetation scenery and shows a marked tendency to sclerophylly (formation of hard leaves).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had a marked tendency to talk about music in religious terms: packed solid with sweating dancers, The Warehouse may have looked like "a pit of hell" but in fact the club was "a church" with a "soulful" atmosphere.

The Guardian - Music

Before and after that vote, Iraq's political process has shown a marked tendency toward opacity, and powerful politicians have often deployed the military and quasi-official bodies to settle scores and further their ambitions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a marked tendency", ensure it's followed by a 'to + verb' construction to clearly indicate the direction of the tendency. For instance, "a marked tendency to overestimate" is more effective than simply "a marked tendency".

Common error

Avoid vague usage by always specifying what the tendency is towards. Saying something 'has a marked tendency' without clarifying what it tends to do leaves the statement incomplete and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marked tendency" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. It describes a noticeable or prominent inclination towards something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marked tendency" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that highlights a noticeable inclination or trend. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in science, news media, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. To use this phrase effectively, follow it with 'to + verb' to specify the direction of the tendency. Related phrases include "a distinct inclination" and "a noticeable trend". Remember, while "a tendency" indicates an inclination, adding "marked" emphasizes that it is both observable and significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distinct inclination

Replaces "tendency" with "inclination", emphasizing a leaning or preference.

a pronounced disposition

Substitutes "tendency" with "disposition", suggesting an inherent quality or characteristic.

a noticeable trend

Replaces "tendency" with "trend", focusing on a pattern of behavior or development.

a clear propensity

Uses "propensity" instead of "tendency", indicating a natural inclination or habit.

a strong bent

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression indicating a strong inclination.

a significant predisposition

Uses "predisposition" to highlight a susceptibility or vulnerability towards something.

a definite leaning

Substitutes with a phrase emphasizing a direction or preference.

a conspicuous pattern

Focuses on the observable arrangement or sequence of events.

an evident inclination

Uses "evident" to emphasize the obviousness of the inclination.

a remarkable proclivity

Replaces "tendency" with "proclivity" which carries a sense of natural or habitual inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marked tendency" to describe a clear inclination or pattern. For example, "There is "a marked tendency to overestimate" project timelines in this company."

What phrases are similar to "a marked tendency"?

Similar phrases include "a distinct inclination", "a noticeable trend", or "a clear propensity". Each emphasizes a different aspect of inclination or pattern.

Is it better to use "marked tendency" or "strong tendency"?

"Marked tendency" and "strong tendency" are quite similar, but "marked tendency" implies a more observable or noticeable inclination, while "strong tendency" emphasizes the intensity of the inclination.

What's the difference between "a tendency" and "a marked tendency"?

"A tendency" simply indicates an inclination. Adding "marked" strengthens the statement, suggesting the tendency is particularly noticeable or significant.