tend to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tend to think' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you usually believe a certain thing. For example: I tend to think that procrastination is the enemy of productivity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I tend to think it was more like wishful thinking.

The New York Times

But I tend to think in pictures.

The New York Times

"Women tend to think longer term".

The New York Times

I tend to think not.

The New York Times

Americans tend to think big.

The New York Times

They tend to think everyone is unhappy.

University of California, Berkeley

The French tend to think so.

The New York Times

Doctors tend to think 'normal' means adequate".

The New York Times - Health

Americans tend to think he succeeded.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Americans tend to think of themselves as uniquely future-oriented.

The New York Times

Others tend to think that it is an empirical matter.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "tend to think" with stronger verbs like "believe" or "assume" if you want to convey more certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to think" when presenting factual information or conclusions that require strong evidence. This phrase is best suited for expressing opinions or inclinations, not definitive statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to think" functions as a hedge, softening the assertion of an opinion or belief. It indicates a general inclination rather than a firm conviction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a commonly held belief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to think" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a general inclination or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing qualified opinions across various contexts, but it is particularly frequent in news and media. When using this phrase, remember that it's best for softer assertions, and stronger verbs might be more appropriate when certainty is needed. Always aim for clarity and precision in your writing, and avoid overstating your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lean towards believing

Emphasizes a direction of belief, suggesting a slight inclination.

incline to believe

Highlights a predisposition to a certain belief or opinion.

generally assume

Focuses on a common or widespread assumption that one holds.

generally believe

Suggests a common held belief or opinion.

have a propensity to believe

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination to believe something.

am disposed to think

Implies a state of mind that makes one likely to think in a certain way.

am of the opinion

Expresses a personal judgment or viewpoint.

take the view that

Suggests a considered opinion or stance on a particular matter.

presume as a rule

Emphasizes that the belief is what someone typically presumes.

have a feeling that

Indicates a belief based more on intuition or a personal feeling.

FAQs

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

Use "tend to think" to express a common or general belief you hold. For example, "I "tend to think" that early mornings are the most productive time of day".

What are some alternatives to "tend to think"?

You can use alternatives such as "lean towards believing", "incline to believe", or "generally assume" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "tend to think" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "tend to think" when expressing a personal opinion or inclination that is not necessarily based on hard facts. It's suitable for expressing a general belief or assumption.

What is the difference between "tend to think" and "believe"?

"Tend to think" suggests a weaker conviction than "believe". While "believe" implies a firm conviction, ""tend to think"" indicates a more tentative or general inclination.