a tendency toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tendency toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an inclination, disposition, or propensity. For example: "He had a tendency toward impulsive decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both men have a tendency toward overweight.

The New Yorker

There is a tendency toward sameness.

The New York Times

Yes, there's a tendency toward exclamation.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a tendency toward status-flagging in this novel.

The New York Times - Books

Sculpture and the decorative arts showed a tendency toward abstraction.

Britannica

Critics suggest they encourage a tendency toward gimmicky, unworkable ideas.

The Guardian

His weakness is a tendency toward stock gestures.

The New Yorker

Furthermore, his admirable honesty doesn't disguise a tendency toward solipsism.

The New Yorker

Both are verbose, with a tendency toward metaphor and digression.

The New York Times - Arts

Gödel, by contrast, had a tendency toward paranoia.

The New Yorker

Or does it have a tendency toward the slapdash?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tendency toward" to describe a general direction or inclination rather than a definitive outcome. It suggests a probability or likelihood, not a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "a tendency toward" when you need to express an absolute certainty or a guaranteed outcome. The phrase indicates a likelihood, not a promise. For instance, don't say "The company has a tendency toward success" if their success is already assured; instead, use a stronger term like "guaranteed" or "certain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tendency toward" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a predilection or inclination in a specific direction. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it describing inherent qualities or directional movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tendency toward" is a versatile phrase used to describe an inclination or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. With a neutral register and high frequency in sources such as The New York Times and Britannica, it serves to indicate likely directions or characteristics without asserting absolute certainty. Understanding its nuances and avoiding common errors such as misinterpreting it as a guarantee can enhance writing precision and clarity. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a predisposition to

Changes the preposition from 'toward' to 'to' to indicate a similar inclination.

an inclination for

Replaces 'tendency' with 'inclination' and 'toward' with 'for', suggesting a natural leaning.

a propensity for

Substitutes 'tendency' with 'propensity', indicating a natural inclination or habit.

a leaning toward

Replaces 'tendency' with 'leaning', suggesting a directional bias.

a bent for

Uses 'bent' to imply a natural skill or inclination.

a proclivity to

Replaces 'tendency' with 'proclivity' indicating a strong natural liking or inclination.

a disposition to

Employs 'disposition' to suggest an inherent quality or inclination.

an aptitude for

Focuses on a natural talent or ability.

a weakness for

Implies a susceptibility or fondness, often for something indulgent.

to be prone to

Expresses a susceptibility to experience something, often negative.

FAQs

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

Use "a tendency toward" to indicate that something is likely to move in a certain direction or exhibit a particular characteristic. For example, "The sculpture showed "a tendency toward abstraction"" or "He has "a tendency toward paranoia"".

What are some alternatives to "a tendency toward"?

You can use alternatives such as "a predisposition to", "an inclination for", or "a propensity for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a tendency to" instead of "a tendency toward"?

While "a tendency to" can sometimes be used, "a tendency toward" is generally more precise when indicating a direction or movement. Using "a tendency to" might be more appropriate when describing a general habit or pattern.

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

"A tendency toward" suggests an inclination or predisposition, while "a trend toward" indicates a pattern of change or development over time. A tendency might be a personal characteristic, while a trend is usually observed in a larger group or system.