tend to run

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to run" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe a typical behavior—what a group or person often does in a situation. For example, you could say, "People tend to run from scary movies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AAAs also tend to run in families.

Harvard University

Audiences tend to run from confusion.

The Guardian

And they tend to run in families.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Help! Smarter villagers tend to run.

The New York Times

In tense situations, negative emotions tend to run high.

Harvard University

Government crackdowns on insider trading tend to run in cycles.

The New York Times

I tend to run toward things I don't understand".

The New Yorker

Predictions about the future tend to run to the extremes.

The Guardian

Then in the summer I tend to run more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These conditions typically develop in adolescence and young adulthood and tend to run a chronic course.

The Lancet

Our largest photographs tend to run on our Election 2012 page.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to run" to describe common behaviors, patterns, or averages rather than absolute certainties. For example, "Prices in that area "tend to run" higher than the national average".

Common error

Avoid using "tend to run" when describing a unique event or something that is always true. "Water "tends to run" downhill" is technically correct but unnecessary; it always runs downhill.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to run" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a likelihood, general tendency, or common occurrence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing trends, behaviors, and typical patterns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to run" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express likelihood or general tendencies. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general interest writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. While highly frequent, writers should avoid using it in situations where something is invariably true or to describe unique events, as this can lead to unnecessary qualifications. When you're aiming to describe common behaviors, patterns, or averages with an acceptable level of correctness, consider "tend to run" to make your point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually operate

Replaces "tend to" with "usually", focusing on typical operation or function.

typically function

Similar to "usually operate", emphasizing typical functioning.

generally behave

Focuses on typical behavior or conduct.

are prone to go

Indicates a predisposition or likelihood of going or acting in a certain way.

have a habit of going

Emphasizes a repeated or ingrained behavior.

are inclined to do

Highlights a natural tendency or preference.

are liable to happen

Indicates a higher than average chance of occurring, generally used for negative events.

are apt to proceed

Implies a natural or inherent tendency to proceed in a certain manner.

are given to moving

Suggests a propensity or inclination towards physical movement.

are wont to move

A more archaic and formal way of saying 'are accustomed to'.

FAQs

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

You can use "tend to run" to describe typical or common behaviors. For example, "Anxiety disorders "tend to run" a chronic course".

What's a more formal alternative to "tend to run"?

Consider using phrases like "are inclined to" or "are prone to" for a more formal tone.

Is it correct to say "tends to run" instead of "tend to run"?

The form depends on the subject. Use "tend to run" for plural subjects (e.g., "They tend to run") and "tends to run" for singular subjects (e.g., "He tends to run").

What's the difference between "tend to run" and "usually run"?

"Tend to run" implies a likelihood or probability based on a pattern. "Usually run" simply states that something happens most of the time. The first expresses more subtle frequency while the second focuses on pure number of occurrences.