literary tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literary tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a particular style, theme, or approach that is prevalent in a body of literature or among a group of authors. Example: "The literary tendency of realism can be seen in the works of authors like Leo Tolstoy and Gustave Flaubert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He has negative feelings about this literary tendency.

The New York Times - Books

There is, of course, a modern literary tendency to write unsparing, unsentimental and unapologetic memoirs, and "The Cap" fits in nicely.

The New York Times - Books

In an amusing verse essay, "The Manatee," he resists the literary tendency to treat the animal world as grandly Other, distinct from humankind, and therefore a cause for special joy, fear or shame.

The New York Times - Books

Against the grain of much recent historiography — and in the teeth of a powerful literary tendency going back to the end of the 19th century — she defended John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards and their descendants against the usual charges of intolerance, prudery and parsimoniousness.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Daudet's work as a whole reveals not so much a continuous evolution as an episodic process in which various literary tendencies found expression successively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After Dartington Hall Mr. Straight spent a year at the London School of Economics to offset literary tendencies in himself that he saw as useless to a world in political crisis.

The New York Times

Although it occasionally publishes work by and about dissident Chinese authors -- and runs a list of underground Chinese literary publications -- Tendency has little overt political content.

The New York Times

But to return to the middle: In college, Sam and I both had literary aspirations and tendencies to develop crushes on preppy guys who didn't like us back.

The New Yorker

According to the wording of the act, the brainchild of Roy Jenkins, literary merit neutralises any tendency to deprave, corrupt, shock or disgust.

The Guardian - Books

Nevertheless, many of Hatherley's combative conclusions – particularly on Manchester, Sheffield, Southampton and Newcastle – are interesting, if sometimes hazed by his grapeshot literary manner, and a tendency to present himself as a naughty class-warrior (most predictably in Cambridge).

Independent

There's pots of money out there, and the slight unwillingness may be down to the tendency of literary folk to denounce the sources of prize funds, once you give them dinner and a microphone to speak into.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing historical shifts in literature, use "literary tendency" to describe a gradual change in style or subject matter over time. This can provide context for understanding evolving literary landscapes.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "literary tendency" to an entire era based on a few prominent works. Ensure your claim is supported by a broad analysis of diverse literary outputs from that period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary tendency" functions as a noun phrase, where "literary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "tendency". This phrase is typically used to describe a specific characteristic or direction observable within a body of literary works. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary tendency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe patterns, styles, or themes within literary works. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Although it has a low frequency of use, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, making it suitable for formal and academic contexts. Related phrases like "literary trend" or "literary movement" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase allows for the categorization and analysis of shared characteristics, styles, or themes that emerge across different literary works or within specific periods.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literary trend

Focuses specifically on a current fashion or direction in literature, rather than a general leaning.

literary movement

Denotes a group of authors who share a common ideology or artistic goals.

prevailing literary style

Emphasizes the widespread nature of a particular style in literature.

common literary theme

Highlights recurring themes or subjects explored in literary works.

artistic inclination in literature

Focuses on an inherent preference or bent toward a particular method or subject within literary arts.

literary bent

Emphasizes a specific inclination or predisposition in a literary context.

current literary fashion

Highlights contemporary popularity and adoption within literary circles.

popular literary approach

Indicates widely adopted methods or strategies in literary creation and analysis.

recurrent literary motif

Highlights patterns or elements that frequently reappear across different literary works.

literary wave

Suggests a surge of interest or activity surrounding a specific literary style or subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "literary tendency" to describe a common style, theme, or approach in literature. For instance, "There is a modern "literary tendency" to write unsparing memoirs."

What are some alternatives to "literary tendency"?

Alternatives include "literary trend", "literary movement", or "prevailing literary style", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How does "literary tendency" differ from "literary trend"?

"Literary tendency" suggests a general direction or inclination, while "literary trend" implies a more current and fashionable direction in literature. Trends are often shorter-lived and more pronounced.

Is it correct to use "literary tendency" in formal writing?

Yes, "literary tendency" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing literary analysis, history, or criticism. It is a neutral and academically sound term.