tend to avoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to avoid" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a general tendency or habit of avoiding something. Example: "Many people tend to avoid confrontation in order to maintain peace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These patients tend to avoid social interaction altogether or show subtle avoidance responses during social interaction.

Cognitive Therapy and Research

You tend to avoid adjectives.

The New Yorker

The other kinds they tend to avoid.

The New Yorker

Ethnic Persians tend to avoid hiring them.

The Economist

Grizzlies tend to avoid humans.

The New York Times - Science

I tend to avoid them.

The Guardian - Arts

England's selectors tend to avoid the unexpected.

Independent

By contrast, artists tend to avoid naming things.

The New York Times - Arts

Politicians tend to avoid philosophy like the plague.

The Guardian - Opinion

For picnic food, I tend to avoid meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Besides which, Elmgreen and Dragset tend to avoid the particular.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to avoid" when you want to describe a general pattern of behavior without stating it as an absolute rule. It suggests a likelihood rather than a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to avoid" when the situation calls for a stronger term like "always avoid" or "completely eliminate" if the avoidance is absolute. "Tend to avoid" implies a degree of possibility, however small, of engaging with the thing being avoided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to avoid" functions as a verb phrase indicating a general inclination or disposition to refrain from something. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a tendency rather than an absolute action. It's used to describe habitual or likely behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tend to avoid" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase that indicates a general inclination to refrain from something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. The phrase is best used when describing a likely behavior without stating it as an absolute rule, and it is important to avoid overstating the avoidance when a stronger term is more appropriate. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage will enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

typically steer clear of

Replaces "tend to avoid" with a more informal phrase that implies navigating around something to avoid it.

usually keep away from

Substitutes "tend to avoid" with a phrase that emphasizes physical distance and avoidance.

often shy away from

Replaces "tend to avoid" with a more casual phrase expressing reluctance or timidity.

generally eschew

Replaces "tend to avoid" with a more formal verb that means to deliberately avoid using; abstain from.

are inclined to evade

Indicates a predisposition to avoid something.

have a habit of evading

Emphasizes the habitual nature of avoidance and replaces "tend to avoid" with a phrase that highlights the act of evading.

commonly refrain from

Replaces "tend to avoid" with a phrase that indicates a conscious decision to abstain.

are prone to bypassing

Suggests a natural tendency to go around or skip something.

habitually shun

Implies a persistent and deliberate avoidance of something.

are apt to circumvent

Indicates a clever or strategic way of avoiding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "tend to avoid" to describe a general inclination to stay away from something. For example, "People "tend to avoid" conflict" or "I "tend to avoid" eating late at night."

What are some alternatives to "tend to avoid"?

Alternatives to "tend to avoid" include phrases like "usually keep away from", "typically steer clear of", or "often shy away from", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "tend to avoiding" instead of "tend to avoid"?

No, the correct form is "tend to avoid". The phrase "tend to" requires the base form of the verb, so "avoiding" would be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "tend to avoid" and "try to avoid"?

"Tend to avoid" describes a general inclination or habit, while "try to avoid" suggests a conscious effort to stay away from something. For example, I "tend to avoid" crowded places (it's a habit), but I try to avoid getting sick (it's a conscious effort)."