a widespread tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or prevalent behavior, attitude, or pattern observed in a particular group or society. Example: "There is a widespread tendency among teenagers to use social media as their primary means of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

(Eric Dolphy and Andrew Hill were two well-known examples, but from 1961 to 1965 this was a widespread tendency).

The New York Times - Arts

On top of this, there's a widespread tendency to treat failure as a badge of honor: "Fail fast, fail often" is a familiar mantra in Silicon Valley.

The New Yorker

There is a widespread tendency to denigrate the role of lawyers and judges in the attempts to resolve the ambiguity over the presidential election (Op-Ed, Nov. 24).

The New York Times

A widespread tendency in game bird management has been the introduction of species to areas where they have not been found previously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's a widespread tendency to focus on actors to the exclusion, often, of the people who put the words in their mouths and who film those mouths as they regurgitate those words.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And myriad prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs reflect a widespread tendency to sweat the small stuff, a failure to recognize time-honored sources of happiness, and a reliance on material acquisitions that provide only temporary pleasure.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It is related to a more widespread tendency in the international media when it comes to Hinduism.

Huffington Post

Duran is one of the first feminists who explicitly combined feminist standpoint theory with analytically oriented naturalized epistemology, and is an exception to the widespread tendency of analytic feminists to stay clear of gynocentrism.

SEP

A major burden of such a theory is to explain away the widespread tendency to describe music in emotional terms.

SEP

The increasing body size of both studied lineages constitutes an example of Cope's rule, known as the widespread tendency of animal groups to evolve toward larger body size [ 126- 129].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

September's issue of Uncut offers plentiful justification for the widespread tendency to reconfigure this magazine's title in a pithy anagrammatic form which cannot possibly be reprinted on a family web-site.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread tendency", ensure it's followed by a clear explanation of what the tendency is and its impact. This adds clarity and provides context to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread tendency" without sufficient evidence or examples. Overstating the prevalence of a behavior can weaken your argument. Substantiate your claim with data or specific instances.

Linguistic Context

A widespread tendency functions as a noun phrase that often serves as the subject or object of a sentence. It highlights a common or prevalent behavior, attitude, or pattern within a specific group or society. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a widespread tendency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe common patterns of behavior or thought across various contexts. As verified by Ludwig, it is suitable for both neutral and formal writing. When employing this phrase, be sure to provide clear context and avoid overgeneralizing without sufficient evidence. Alternatives such as "a common inclination" or "a prevailing trend" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most frequent sources using this phrase are news media, scientific publications and encyclopedias, reflecting its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common inclination

Emphasizes the inherent nature of the tendency, suggesting a natural leaning towards something.

a general propensity

Highlights a natural inclination or habit, often seen across a group or population.

a prevailing trend

Focuses on the current popularity or dominance of a particular behavior or pattern.

a common practice

Refers specifically to actions or behaviors that are habitually performed by many.

a popular habit

Highlights how a habit has gained popularity and is performed by many people.

a shared inclination

Indicates that the tendency is experienced or exhibited collectively by a group.

a typical pattern

Emphasizes that the tendency is a recurring and representative example.

a prevalent habit

Indicates that a habit is commonly occurring or generally widespread in a specific context.

a recurring pattern

Highlights the repetitive nature of the tendency, suggesting it happens frequently.

a usual inclination

Suggests the tendency is the normal or expected behavior in a given situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a widespread tendency" to describe common behaviors or patterns. For example, "There is "a widespread tendency" to focus on actors to the exclusion of the writers and filmmakers."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread tendency"?

Alternatives include "a common inclination", "a general propensity", or "a prevailing trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a widespread tendency"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms that "a widespread tendency" is usable and correct in written English. It is used to describe prevalent behaviors, attitudes, or patterns.

What's the difference between "a widespread tendency" and "a common occurrence"?

"A widespread tendency" suggests an inclination or leaning towards something, while "a common occurrence" simply means something happens frequently. The former implies a behavioral pattern, while the latter implies a frequent event.