tend to upend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tend to upend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency to disrupt or overturn a situation or established order. Example: "The new policy changes tend to upend traditional practices in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Children tend to upend the old formulas.

The New York Times

Since aggressive investors tend to upend the boardroom status quo, limiting their power would almost certainly tilt more of it to management.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And while some poems are laced with humor and virtuosic wordplay, Hughes tends to upend the most innocent context with abruptly savage imagery.

The New York Times - Books

Environmental sustainability as a focus of an artist's work tends to upend the customary business model for fine artists -- many of them don't create objects that can be sold in an art gallery to a collector.

Huffington Post

"I probably sound like a corporate wonk saying this, but really, you can't stop evolution," continued Castelaz, explaining that succeeding in "the vital music business" involves working with artists who tend to revel in upending the status quo.

Los Angeles Times

And both, they say, would work to upend the traditional mores that tend to dominate cable news in its current format.

Huffington Post

Muslim capitalists who support a free market tend to be the base of the Gulen movement, who may be the critical lever that upends Erdogan's primacy and counters his base of a new state-supported Muslim capitalist class.

Huffington Post

Americans tend to think of the Smart Fortwo as a fuel-frugal, docile ride, but a few mechanically inclined enthusiasts are tinkering with, if not wholly upending that image.

The New York Times

They tend to drool.

The New York Times

"People tend to panic.

The New York Times

"Analysts tend to herd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend to upend" when you want to describe a non-absolute but likely disruptive outcome, especially when referring to trends or patterns.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to upend" when the disruption is certain. Opt for stronger verbs like "will disrupt" or "guarantee to overturn" to reflect the higher level of certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to upend" functions as a verb phrase indicating a propensity or likelihood towards causing disruption or overturning an established order. Ludwig suggests this phrase accurately describes a tendency rather than a certainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to upend" effectively conveys the idea of a likely disruption or overturning of an established order. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not extremely common, the phrase offers a nuanced way to describe potential disruptions without stating them as certainties. Alternatives like "are likely to disrupt" or "tend to overturn" can be used for variety, but "tend to upend" offers a specific emphasis on unsettling or destabilizing existing structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tend to overturn

Uses a synonym for "upend", keeping the structure of the original phrase.

are likely to disrupt

Focuses on the probability of disruption, rather than a habitual tendency to overturn.

have a propensity to disrupt

Replaces "tend to" with "have a propensity to", emphasizing inclination.

are inclined to overturn

Emphasizes inclination with "are inclined to", replacing "upend" with "overturn".

lean towards disrupting

Suggests a leaning or predisposition towards causing disruption.

are apt to destabilize

Focuses on the potential for destabilization as a result of the action.

often revolutionize

Implies a more drastic and transformative change than simply "upending".

generally reverse

Suggests a complete reversal, rather than just an upset or disruption.

frequently subvert

Emphasizes the act of undermining or challenging established norms.

are wont to overturn

Uses "are wont to" to indicate a habitual tendency to overturn, with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "tend to upend" to describe situations or actions that are likely to disrupt or overturn established orders. For example, "New regulations "tend to upend" traditional business models."

What are some alternatives to "tend to upend"?

Alternatives include "are likely to disrupt", "tend to overturn", or "have a propensity to disrupt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "tend to upend" in formal writing?

Yes, "tend to upend" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing trends or potential outcomes. However, ensure that the context aligns with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "tend to upend" and "will upend"?

"Tend to upend" suggests a likelihood or inclination towards disruption, while "will upend" indicates a higher degree of certainty. Use "tend to upend" when the outcome is probable but not guaranteed.