a tendency to

USAGE SUMMARY

"a tendency to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to an inclination or disposition towards a particular action or behaviour. For example, "I have had a tendency to procrastinate in the past, but I'm working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Humanity has a tendency to be terrible.

The New York Times

They have a tendency to flee danger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Currencies have a tendency to overshoot.

The Economist

A tendency to it is inherited.

The New Yorker

There is a tendency to ignore things".

The New York Times

He has a tendency to overwork himself.

The New Yorker

There is a tendency to blame oversharing.

The Guardian - Tech

There's a tendency to skimp.

The Washington Post

Always a tendency to smile".

The Guardian

A tendency to scowl involuntarily.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wires have a tendency to break.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tendency to" when describing a recurring behavior or inclination, not a one-time event. For instance, "He has a tendency to arrive late" is better than "He had a tendency to arrive late that one time."

Common error

Avoid overuse by substituting with more specific synonyms like "inclination", "propensity", or "predisposition" to provide greater nuance and avoid repetitive writing. Break free from this "tendency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tendency to" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI shows it describes an inclination, disposition, or likelihood toward a particular action or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science & Research

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Lifestyle

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tendency to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an inclination or recurring behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across varied contexts. It is most prevalent in news and media, as well as academic writing. When using "a tendency to", it's important to ensure that you are describing a recurring pattern rather than a singular event, and to avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "propensity" or "inclination" for more nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a propensity for

Focuses more on a natural inclination or likelihood.

an inclination towards

Suggests a leaning or preference for something.

a predisposition to

Emphasizes a pre-existing susceptibility or vulnerability.

a bent for

Implies a natural talent or aptitude.

a proclivity for

Similar to propensity, but can suggest a less rational or more impulsive leaning.

a habit of

Highlights a repeated behavior or pattern.

a likelihood of

Focuses on the probability or chance of something occurring.

a vulnerability to

Highlights susceptibility to negative effects or influences.

a weakness for

Suggests a fondness or inability to resist something, often something tempting.

an aptitude for

Focuses on an inherent ability or talent.

FAQs

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

Use "a tendency to" to describe a recurring habit or inclination. For example, "She has "a tendency to procrastinate" when faced with difficult tasks".

What's the difference between "a tendency to" and "a habit of"?

"A tendency to" implies an inclination that may not always be acted upon, while "a habit of" suggests a more consistent and established behavior.

Which is correct: "tendency to do" or "tendency of doing"?

"Tendency to do" is the correct and more common construction. "Tendency of doing" is less grammatically sound and rarely used.

What are some alternatives to "a tendency to"?

You can use alternatives such as "a propensity for", "an inclination towards", or "a predisposition to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.