a strong tendency for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong tendency for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable inclination or predisposition towards a particular behavior, action, or outcome. Example: "There is a strong tendency for students to procrastinate when faced with challenging assignments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was also a strong tendency for peri-ovulatory suprabasal progesterone levels in RBH.

Theriogenology

There is a strong tendency for marriages to take place within the community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One consequence of the changed nature of investment is a strong tendency for markets to develop into temporary monopolies.

The New York Times

For example, there was still a strong tendency for occupations to pass from father to son in all classes.

Britannica

With a prescribed shelf edge flow there is a strong tendency for topographic steering in the transition zone.

Continental Shelf Research

There is a strong tendency for the outermost cortical cells to become darkly pigmented and thick-walled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is a strong tendency for bullies to be friends with other bullies in their class or school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Co2Fe(Ge0.5Ga0.5) alloy shows a strong tendency for L21 ordering and a high Curie temperature of 807 °C.

Acta Materialia

Three hours after lunch consumption, the difference between trials was reduced such that there was only a strong tendency for lower concentrations in the fasting trial (P=0.06).

Nature

In the European Middle Ages there was a strong tendency for religious persons to despise human affairs and to meditate on God and the afterlife.

Britannica

There is a strong tendency for the extended family to fragment into individual nuclear families, each consisting of one couple and their children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong tendency for", ensure that the subject exhibiting the tendency is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing "a strong tendency for" to abstract concepts or inanimate objects that cannot logically possess tendencies. For example, instead of saying "The data shows a strong tendency for error", state "The researchers observed a strong tendency for errors in the data collection process".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong tendency for" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a prevalent inclination or likelihood. Ludwig AI shows its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong tendency for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a notable inclination or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in science, encyclopedias and news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject exhibiting the tendency is clearly defined, and avoid attributing tendencies to abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "a marked inclination towards" or "a significant predisposition to" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a marked inclination towards

Emphasizes a noticeable preference or leaning.

a pronounced bent toward

Suggests a clear and definite direction or preference.

a significant predisposition to

Highlights a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility.

a notable proclivity for

Indicates a natural or habitual inclination.

a powerful urge to

Conveys a compelling internal drive or motivation.

a compelling drive towards

Focuses on the forceful nature of the motivation.

a consistent pattern of

Highlights the regularity and predictability of the behavior.

a prevailing trend of

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the inclination.

a common habit of

Suggests a frequently repeated behavior.

a natural inclination to

Highlights an inherent or inborn tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "a strong tendency for" in a sentence?

Use "a strong tendency for" to describe a clear inclination or likelihood of something happening. For example, "There is a strong tendency for students to procrastinate".

What phrases can I use instead of "a strong tendency for"?

You can use alternatives like "a marked inclination towards", "a pronounced bent toward", or "a significant predisposition to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a strong tendency to" or "a strong tendency for"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "a strong tendency for" is typically followed by a noun or gerund, while "a strong tendency to" is followed by an infinitive verb. For example, "a strong tendency for procrastination" versus "a strong tendency to procrastinate".

What's the difference between "a strong tendency for" and "a strong inclination for"?

The phrases "a strong tendency for" and "a strong inclination for" are very similar in meaning, both indicating a notable leaning towards something. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.