a negative tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a negative tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pattern or inclination that is unfavorable or undesirable in behavior, attitudes, or situations. Example: "The study revealed a negative tendency among teenagers to engage in risky behaviors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At the national team level, repeated failure reinforces a negative tendency for south-east Asia to retreat into itself.

The Guardian - Sport

The mean excess functions decrease to zero and usually show a negative tendency in the range of the last few of the largest data points.

Earth, Planets and Space

Contrary to the positive effect of redox treatment of YSZ NiO ceramics at 600 °C, a negative tendency for strength of YSZ NiO ceramics during the treatment at 800 °C is noted (Fig. 3(c), version 6).

Nanoscale Research Letters

Smoking alone showed only a negative tendency.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In general, there appears to be a negative tendency between the length and ordinal position of exons.

BMC Genomics

In turn, the rabbits belonging to OP and OA groups showed a decrease in subchondral plate thickness and only a negative tendency in B.Ar/TAr and Tb.Th values.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We determined that the mean excess function of −AL including the older dataset before 1995, particularly that before 1992, does not show a simple negative tendency linear slope shape in the extreme range; rather, the slope shape resembled that of AE.

Earth, Planets and Space

In the study by Snarr et al. [ 18], for example, the mothers of oppositional boys showed a negative interpretive tendency while the mothers of control children showed a positive interpretive tendency but only for stimuli presenting their own children as opposed to other children.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

For instance, science journalism articles (newspapers) that presented a negative publication tendency regarding SSRIs (ratio=0.7) could not be related to the positive publication tendency found in scientific journals.

BMJ Open

The precision ratio was 35.29% and recall ratio was 73.17% when identifying a negative emotional tendency.

Financial Innovation

The scatter diagram between ∆T LRT and ∆H LRT indicates a negative linear tendency.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a negative tendency", be specific about the context to avoid ambiguity. Clearly state what the tendency is and what negative outcomes it might lead to.

Common error

Avoid using "a negative tendency" without providing supporting evidence or examples. Vague statements can weaken your argument and lack credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative tendency" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an inclination or predisposition towards something unfavorable. Ludwig AI shows it being used in various scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

71%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negative tendency" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an unfavorable inclination or pattern. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is more frequent in scientific contexts, with some presence in news and media. While generally acceptable, specificity and context are essential for effective communication. Consider using alternatives like "adverse inclination" or "detrimental trend" for nuanced meaning. Avoid overgeneralization to maintain credibility and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adverse inclination

Emphasizes an unfavorable leaning or disposition.

a detrimental trend

Highlights a harmful pattern or direction.

an unfavorable bias

Focuses on a prejudiced or skewed outlook.

a pessimistic outlook

Stresses a habitually gloomy or cynical view.

a discouraging pattern

Indicates a disheartening or demoralizing sequence.

a downward spiral

Suggests a progressively worsening situation or behavior.

a problematic inclination

Points out an inclination that causes difficulties or issues.

an unwelcome trend

Highlights a pattern or direction that is undesirable.

a negative predisposition

Emphasizes an inherent negative leaning or susceptibility.

an unfortunate inclination

Indicates an inclination that leads to negative outcomes or consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a negative tendency" to describe an inclination or pattern that leads to undesirable outcomes. For instance: "The data revealed "a negative tendency" for students to procrastinate when faced with challenging assignments."

What are some alternatives to "a negative tendency"?

Alternatives include phrases like "an adverse inclination", "a detrimental trend", or "an unfavorable bias", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a negative tendency" in formal writing?

While "a negative tendency" is generally acceptable, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "a problematic inclination" or "a downward spiral" in contexts that require greater specificity.

What's the difference between "a negative tendency" and "a negative trend"?

"A negative tendency" implies an inclination or predisposition, while "a negative trend" suggests a pattern or direction observed over time. The former focuses on inherent behavior, the latter on observable results.