has a tendency to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'has a tendency to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is likely to happen or happen often in certain situations or when certain conditions are met. For example: "My dog has a tendency to bark when I come home from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Humanity has a tendency to be terrible.

The New York Times

He has a tendency to overwork himself.

The New Yorker

Psychological manipulation has a tendency to backfire.

The New York Times - Arts

Speech, though, has a tendency to date.

The Guardian

Rhubarb has a tendency to collapse suddenly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has a tendency to make you want to vomit.

Yale University

Play has a tendency to be beautiful - Johann Huizinga.

Cornell University

Paper has a tendency to discolor, crease and tear.

Stanford University

He has a tendency to fixate on things like this.

The Washington Post

Geuze has a tendency to reach for natural metaphors.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Schillinger has a tendency to overembellish his creations.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a tendency to" when describing a recurring behavior or predictable outcome. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a nuanced way to express likelihood without absolute certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "has a tendency to be" when a more direct active voice construction would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "Mistakes have a tendency to be made when rushing", consider "People tend to make mistakes when rushing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a tendency to" functions as a qualifier or modifier, indicating that something is likely to occur or is characteristic of a person, object, or situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes a probability or predisposition rather than an absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a tendency to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is likely to happen or is characteristic of a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, ranging from news media to academic and scientific writing. Its strength lies in conveying probability without asserting absolute certainty.

While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider stronger, more direct phrasing where appropriate. Alternatives like "tends to", "is inclined to", and "is prone to" can add nuance or formality to your writing. Additionally, be mindful of passive voice constructions, opting for active voice when clarity and conciseness are desired.

By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and potential pitfalls, you can effectively integrate "has a tendency to" into your writing, enhancing its precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tends to

A more concise and direct synonym, indicating a common or usual behavior.

is inclined to

Implies a natural preference or leaning, often suggesting a weaker inclination than "has a tendency to".

is apt to

Similar to "is inclined to", but can also suggest a natural talent or skill.

displays a propensity for

A more formal way of saying "has a tendency to", highlighting an inherent inclination.

is prone to

Suggests a susceptibility to something, often negative or undesirable.

is given to

Suggests a habit or regular practice, often undesirable.

has a proclivity for

Indicates a strong inclination or natural liking for something.

is liable to

Implies a possibility or risk, often in legal or formal contexts.

demonstrates a likelihood of

Focuses on the probability of something occurring.

is wont to

An archaic phrase meaning "is accustomed to" or "tends to".

FAQs

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

Use "has a tendency to" to describe a recurring behavior or likely outcome. For example: "This type of software "has a tendency to crash" if not updated regularly".

What are some alternatives to "has a tendency to"?

You can use alternatives like "tends to", "is inclined to", or "is prone to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have a tendency to" instead of "has a tendency to"?

"Have a tendency to" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They have a tendency to argue"), while "has a tendency to" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "He has a tendency to interrupt").

What's the difference between "has a tendency to" and "is likely to"?

"Has a tendency to" suggests a repeated or habitual behavior, while "is likely to" indicates a probability or expectation. The phrase "is likely to" focuses more on the possibility of a single event occurring.