general tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "general tendency" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English, and it can be used to refer to a common or recurring pattern or behavior.
For example, "There is a general tendency among teenagers to stay up late."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This general tendency of plant productivity was also transmitted to the next generation.

BMC Plant Biology

At present the general tendency is introspective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But 'Sesame Street' has a general tendency to be condescending, and it's getting worse at it.

The New York Times

It's an example of a general tendency that was documented by social psychologists decades ago.

The New York Times

Australia is once more a good example of the general tendency.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is a worrying general tendency at home and in schools.

The Guardian

"There is a general tendency of people not to leave their home.

The New York Times

This shift reflects the general tendency toward greater simplicity, brevity, and naturalness in the Burgundian chanson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And this seemed to reflect a more general tendency to go with the political wind.

The Economist

When danger is perceived, the general tendency of rabbits is to freeze and hide under cover.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They bespeak the general tendency of the city to move westward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "general tendency", ensure the context clearly defines what group or situation the tendency applies to. This enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid stating "general tendency" without sufficient evidence or data to support the claim. Overgeneralizing can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "general tendency" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a prevailing pattern or inclination, often observed across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "general tendency" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a common or recurring pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and suitable for diverse writing contexts. With a neutral register, it bridges formal scientific discourse and everyday news reporting. Usage analysis reveals its prevalence in science and news media, denoting overarching trends or inclinations. When employing "general tendency", clarity is key: specify the scope of the trend to prevent overgeneralizations. Alternatives include "common trend" and "prevailing inclination", offering subtle variations in emphasis. The frequent occurrence of "general tendency" across authoritative sources underscores its significance as a reliable descriptor of patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common trend

Replaces "tendency" with "trend", emphasizing the directional aspect of the pattern.

overall trend

Similar to "common trend" but emphasizes the broad scope of the observed pattern.

prevailing inclination

Substitutes "general" with "prevailing" and "tendency" with "inclination", highlighting the dominant nature of the pattern.

usual pattern

Uses simpler words to convey the concept of a typical or expected occurrence.

typical behavior

Focuses on the behavioral aspect of the tendency, suggesting a common way of acting or reacting.

average inclination

Replaces "general" with "average", focusing on a median level inclination.

widespread habit

Implies a behavior that is common across a population or group.

normal propensity

Suggests a natural or inherent inclination towards something.

predominant characteristic

Highlights the most noticeable or common trait or feature.

recurring phenomenon

Emphasizes the repeated occurrence of a particular event or situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "general tendency" to describe a common pattern or behavior. For instance, "There is a "general tendency" for prices to increase during the summer."

What is a phrase similar to "general tendency"?

A phrase similar to "general tendency" is "common trend". Both phrases suggest a pattern that is frequently observed.

Is it appropriate to use "general tendency" in formal writing?

Yes, "general tendency" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a neutral phrase suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "general tendency" and "specific trend"?

"General tendency" refers to a broad pattern, while "specific trend" indicates a more defined and particular movement or direction. A "specific trend" might be a subset or component of a larger "general tendency".