it tends to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it tends to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something happens or is likely to happen often. For example, "These days, it tends to rain at least once a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It tends to happen.

The Guardian

It tends to obliterate personality.

The New Yorker

It tends to be contagious.

The New York Times - Sports

It tends to spook them.

The New Yorker

It tends to baptize it.

The New York Times

"It tends to terrorize me".

The New Yorker

It tends to spiral.

The Guardian

And it tends to sell out quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

It tends to really frighten people".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It tends to pull in younger viewers.

The New York Times

Hence, it tends to zero, as β → ∞.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it tends to" to describe a general trend or likelihood, but be specific when you have precise data. For instance, instead of saying "It tends to rain in April", you could say "April has an average rainfall of X inches".

Common error

While "it tends to" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for stronger, more direct phrasing to maintain a professional tone. For instance, replace "It tends to suggest" with "This indicates" or "This implies".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it tends to" functions as a qualifying expression, adding a degree of probability or likelihood to a statement. As shown in Ludwig, it softens assertions, indicating that something happens regularly but not invariably. This makes it useful for expressing general trends or tendencies rather than absolute facts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it tends to" is a versatile phrase used to express probability or likelihood. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, especially in news and media contexts. While common, it's important to consider the level of formality and precision required by the writing context. Alternatives like "it generally does" or "it commonly occurs" can provide nuanced options. Remember to use "it tends to" to describe general trends or likelihood, but always be specific when data is available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it generally does

Focuses on general behavior rather than a specific tendency.

it usually happens

Highlights the habitual nature of the event.

it commonly occurs

Emphasizes the frequency of the event's occurrence.

it typically does

Similar to 'generally', but with a slightly stronger implication of regularity.

it is inclined to

More formal and suggests a predisposition.

it has a propensity to

Highlights the inherent characteristic that makes it likely to happen.

it is apt to

Suggests a natural or habitual inclination.

it is liable to

Implies a possibility, often with negative consequences.

it is wont to

Archaic and suggests a habitual action.

it is prone to

Highlights vulnerability or susceptibility to something.

FAQs

How can I use "it tends to" in a sentence?

Use "it tends to" to describe something that usually happens or is likely to happen. For example, "This flower it tends to bloom in spring" or "The stock market it tends to fluctuate during election years".

What's a more formal alternative to "it tends to"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "it generally does", "it commonly occurs", or "it is inclined to" for a more professional tone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "it tends to"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "it tends to" can make your writing sound vague. Try to use it sparingly and replace it with more specific language when possible.

How does "it tends to" differ from "it always does"?

"It tends to" suggests a likelihood or common occurrence, while "it always does" implies certainty. Use "it always does" only when something happens without exception.