tend to question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a behavior or tendency of regularly questioning or doubting something. Example: Many students tend to question the accuracy of their grades, often approaching their teachers for clarification.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

If someone tells me that they've "nearly finished" their novel, citing the fact that they've written 50,000 words as evidence, I do tend to question their definition of "finished".

The Guardian - Books

Some other nations are more governed by the past and tend to question their future more.

The New York Times

The managers of the armed forces tend to increase the contingencies they wish to prepare for, while skeptical taxpayers tend to question whether certain preparations are absolutely essential.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Firstborns tend to be more conservative and identify more with power and authority, where laterborns tend to question the status quo and become our greatest revolutionaries.

The New Yorker

Even some of Mr. English's friends tend to question whether one man can maintain high standards at roughly two dozen restaurants, especially from a distance.

The New York Times - Food

Theorists outside the discipline of Popular Culture Studies tend to question the value of culture intended for mass consumption and designed, ultimately, for commercial gain.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I tended to question it most in the moments before I approached a possible interviewee.

The New York Times

Since then, however, the high court has tended to question or overlook these limits.

The Guardian - Opinion

What gloating there was on Web sites after the attack tended to question the abilities of the interior minister, Prince Nayef, who is the chief law enforcement officer.

The New York Times

What division case officers would tend to look at as valid information, furnished by Soviet sources who risked their lives to cooperate with them, counterintelligence officers tended to question as disinformation, provided by KGB-controlled sources.

The New Yorker

"The more well-organized you are as a lecturer, the less likely students will ask questions … Students tend to ask questions of incompetent lecturers," he said.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to question" when indicating a general inclination to doubt or inquire about something, rather than a definitive conclusion or strong opposition. This phrase is useful for expressing a nuanced level of skepticism or curiosity.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to question" when the context requires a stronger statement of disagreement or disbelief. For example, if you have concrete evidence to refute a claim, using phrases like "strongly disagree" or "completely refute" may be more appropriate than expressing a mere tendency to question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to question" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a habitual or regular action of doubting or inquiring about something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by various examples illustrating its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to question" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a habitual inclination to doubt or inquire. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its frequent use across various fields, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context and opt for stronger language when expressing definitive disagreement. The related phrases provided offer alternatives to subtly adjust the tone and emphasis. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "tend to question" to convey a measured sense of skepticism or curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are skeptical of

Highlights a general skepticism towards something.

have a tendency to doubt

Highlights the tendency or habit of doubting.

express doubt

Emphasizes the expression of doubt or uncertainty.

are inclined to doubt

Focuses on the inclination to doubt something.

display skepticism

Highlights the exhibition or demonstration of skeptical attitude.

are prone to challenge

Emphasizes the act of challenging or disputing something.

lean towards skepticism

Emphasizes leaning towards a skeptical viewpoint.

are apt to dispute

Highlights the likelihood of disputing or disagreeing.

harbor doubts about

Focuses on holding or maintaining doubts about something.

are wont to inquire

Focuses on the habit of inquiring or asking questions, often with a hint of doubt.

FAQs

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

You can use "tend to question" to indicate a general inclination to doubt or inquire about something. For example, "Scientists "are skeptical of" claims not supported by evidence."

What are some alternatives to "tend to question"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are inclined to doubt", "are prone to challenge", or "have a tendency to doubt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "tend to question" versus stronger language?

"Tend to question" is suitable when expressing a general inclination to doubt or inquire. Use stronger language, such as "strongly disagree" or "completely refute", when you have strong evidence or definitive opposition.

Which is correct, "tend to question" or "tend to be questioning"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "tend to question" is more concise and commonly used. "Tend to be questioning" implies a more continuous or ongoing state of questioning.