have a tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something tends to happen or be true in most cases. For example, "Small dogs often have a tendency to bark more than larger dogs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Both men have a tendency toward overweight.

The New Yorker

They have a tendency to flee danger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wires have a tendency to break.

Cornell University

They also have a tendency to revise.

The New Yorker

Homeowner expenses have a tendency to increase.

The New York Times

Hales may have a tendency towards understatement.

The Guardian - Sport

Gehry projects have a tendency to balloon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unreported risks have a tendency to expand in financial institutions.

Harvard Business Review

Such hands also have a tendency to backfire.

The New York Times - Style

Usually we have a tendency to cut corners.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They have a tendency to vote no".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a tendency" to describe a common or predictable behavior or outcome. For example, "Children often have a tendency to imitate their parents."

Common error

Avoid using "have a tendency" excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "tend to", "be inclined to", or "be prone to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a tendency" functions as a verbal phrase that expresses a predisposition or likelihood towards a particular behavior or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have a tendency" is a versatile phrase used to describe a common or predictable behavior or outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While it appears most frequently in News & Media sources, it is also present in Science and Encyclopedias. For alternative expressions, consider using "tend to", "be inclined to", or "be prone to". Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in your writing for better readability. Therefore, you can use "have a tendency" to enrich your texts or use any of its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tend to

A more concise and direct way to express the same idea.

be inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards something.

be prone to

Implies a vulnerability or susceptibility to something, often negative.

be liable to

Similar to "be prone to", but often used in a legal or formal context.

be apt to

Suggests a natural or inherent inclination.

have a proclivity for

Indicates a strong inclination or liking.

be wont to

An archaic expression for a habitual tendency.

lean towards

Suggests a preference or bias.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural movement or attraction towards something.

be susceptible to

Highlights a vulnerability to influence or effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a tendency" to describe a common or predictable behavior or outcome. For example, "Overworked employees "have a tendency" to make mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "have a tendency"?

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

Is it better to say "have a tendency" or "tend to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Tend to" is generally more concise, while ""have a tendency"" can add emphasis.

What's the difference between "have a tendency" and "be likely to"?

"Have a tendency" suggests a habitual or predictable behavior, while "be likely to" indicates a probability based on current circumstances.