tend to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"tend to be" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to describe an action that is likely to occur, or a state of being that typically exists in a certain situation. Example: People who are reclusively inclined tend to be more introspective than extroverted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Innovators tend to be solipsists.

The New Yorker

Handlers tend to be humble.

The New York Times - Sports

Fears tend to be justified.

The New York Times - Books

Games tend to be, what?

The New Yorker

Turnovers tend to be seasonal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Punishments tend to be light.

The Economist

SIVs tend to be independent.

The Economist

Marines tend to be idealistic.

The New Yorker

Americans tend to be traditionalists.

The Economist

They tend to be young".

The New York Times

Females tend to be plainer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to be" to express a general characteristic or likelihood, avoiding absolutes. For instance, "Products from this factory tend to be more durable" is preferable to "Products from this factory are always more durable".

Common error

While versatile, overuse of "tend to be" can dilute the impact of formal writing. Replace it with stronger verbs or more specific descriptions to enhance clarity and precision. For example, instead of saying "Reports tend to be delayed", consider "Reports are frequently delayed" or "Reports are consistently late."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to be" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating a common attribute or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and is used to describe something that generally happens or is typically true. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tend to be" is a versatile phrase used to express general tendencies or likelihoods. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's particularly common in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. To enhance your writing, remember to use this phrase when you want to suggest a common characteristic without asserting an absolute truth, and consider alternative phrases like "are prone to be" or "typically are" for variety. Avoid overusing it in formal contexts to maintain a strong and precise tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a tendency to be

More verbose restatement of the original phrase.

are prone to be

Emphasizes a susceptibility or inclination towards something.

are inclined to be

Highlights a natural disposition or preference.

are apt to be

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

are apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood

are liable to be

Indicates a possibility, often with negative connotations.

generally are

Implies a common or widespread characteristic.

typically are

Focuses on the usual or expected state.

commonly are

Highlights frequency of occurrence.

are wont to be

Implies a habitual or accustomed behavior (more formal).

FAQs

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

Use "tend to be" to describe something that is generally true or likely. For instance, "Well-designed user interfaces "tend to be" intuitive and user-friendly".

What are some alternatives to "tend to be"?

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

Is it correct to say "tends to be"?

Yes, "tends to be" is correct. It's used when referring to a singular subject, as in "He tends to be late".

What is the difference between "tend to be" and "are always"?

"Tend to be" suggests a likelihood or general trend, while "are always" indicates a certainty. For example, "Fruits tend to be sweet" means most fruits are sweet, while "Fruits are always sweet" would be inaccurate because some fruits are tart or bitter.