tend to accept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to accept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing general tendencies or behaviors of people or groups regarding acceptance of ideas, beliefs, or situations. Example: "In many cultures, people tend to accept traditional practices as part of their identity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gamers tend to accept that.

The New York Times - Tech

Most players, even hitters, tend to accept this practice.

The New York Times - Sports

Cameron County residents tend to accept the ineluctability of this math.

The New Yorker

They tend to accept other human beings with an open mind and heart, without prejudice.

The New Yorker

There's a disturbing assumption that progressives tend to accept when it comes to discussion about economics.

The Guardian

The two sides in the dispute tend to accept the arthritis symptoms as an autoimmune reaction.

The New York Times - Health

(Strictly patriarchal Eastern and African societies tend to accept this type of male behaviour).

The Guardian

But whereas American policy has been to squeeze until Syria crumples, Arabs tend to accept that Syria has legitimate grievances.

The Economist

But the theory [that predicts black holes] seems always to be true, so I tend to accept it".

The Guardian

People tend to accept and appreciate familiar landscapes, thus proponents should make particular allowances for locations of key values and multiplex values.

Landscape and Urban Planning

It is not only that America's troop presence, which citizens of the smaller Gulf states tend to accept as a necessary evil, is unpopular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to accept" when you want to describe a common or general behavior without implying that it is always the case. It's useful for showing a preference or inclination rather than a strict rule.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to accept" when the situation requires a stronger affirmation or commitment. If you mean 'always accept' or 'fully endorse', choose a more definitive phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to accept" functions as a verb phrase indicating a common or general inclination towards accepting something. It suggests a predisposition or likelihood without implying certainty. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to accept" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a general inclination or common behavior. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. With its neutral register, it finds application in news, science, and everyday conversations. When using this phrase, remember that it suggests a likelihood or predisposition rather than a certainty. Alternatives like "are inclined to accept" or "generally accept" can be used to fine-tune the meaning. Ensure you're not overstating the acceptance when a stronger affirmation is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are inclined to accept

Replaces "tend" with "are inclined", emphasizing a leaning towards acceptance.

are prone to accept

Substitutes "tend" with "are prone", suggesting a susceptibility to accepting.

generally accept

Replaces "tend to" with "generally", highlighting the commonality of acceptance.

commonly accept

Similar to "generally accept", but emphasizes how widespread acceptance is.

are apt to accept

Uses "are apt" instead of "tend to", indicating a natural tendency towards acceptance.

often embrace

Replaces "accept" with "embrace", suggesting a more enthusiastic form of acceptance.

usually agree with

Shifts from "accept" to "agree with", focusing on cognitive agreement.

are disposed to accept

Employs "are disposed", suggesting a prepared or willing state of acceptance.

gravitate towards accepting

Uses "gravitate towards", implying a natural pull towards acceptance.

are willing to accept

Focuses on the willingness to accept, highlighting a conscious decision.

FAQs

How can I use "tend to accept" in a sentence?

You can use "tend to accept" to indicate a general inclination or common behavior. For example, "People "tend to accept" information that confirms their existing beliefs."

What are some alternatives to "tend to accept"?

Alternatives include "are inclined to accept", "generally accept", or "are willing to accept", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "tend to accept" or "generally accept"?

"Tend to accept" and "generally accept" are both suitable for most contexts. "Tend to accept" might be slightly more nuanced, suggesting a less uniform behavior than "generally accept".

What's the difference between "tend to accept" and "are forced to accept"?

"Tend to accept" implies a voluntary inclination, while "are forced to accept" suggests a lack of choice or external pressure influencing the acceptance.