tend to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tend to work' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to describe a tendency for something to occur or work in a particular way. For example: "People who have a regular morning routine tend to work more productively throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things tend to work.

The New York Times

Things tend to work out.

The New York Times - Sports

Cyclists tend to work more quickly.

The New York Times

I tend to work a lot.

The New York Times

"I tend to work alone".

The Guardian - Money

"Comedians tend to work all the time.

The Guardian - Film

You tend to work long hours.

The New York Times

Engineers tend to work closely with problem solving and design.

Understanding and Solving Environmental Problems in the 21st Century Toward a new, integrated hard problem science

They tend to work part-time on one-off projects.

The Economist

Better-paid employees tend to work harder, too.

The New Yorker

We don't tend to work really long hours or weekends.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tend to work", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is exhibiting the tendency. For example, "Well-maintained machines tend to work more efficiently" clarifies that the machines are the subject with this tendency.

Common error

Avoid using "tend to work" when describing absolute certainties. Instead, use it to indicate a likelihood or probability, not a guaranteed outcome. Incorrect: "This method tend to work every time." Correct: "This method tend to work well in most cases."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend to work" functions as a verb phrase indicating a probability or usual outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes that something is likely or inclined to function in a specific way. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tend to work" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates a probability or likelihood. According to Ludwig AI, it functions to express a general expectation about how something behaves. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its presence in a variety of sources, including news media, academic papers, and general-interest articles, which underscores its broad applicability. When writing, use "tend to work" to convey that something is generally effective or likely to happen, but not guaranteed. Avoiding overgeneralization and ensuring clarity in sentence structure are key to effective usage. Overall, it’s a reliable phrase for indicating typical outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are likely to function

Uses 'likely' to express probability, making it a more straightforward alternative.

generally function

Replaces 'tend to' with 'generally', indicating a common or typical behavior.

usually operate

Emphasizes the habitual or typical way something works.

typically perform

Similar to 'usually', but with a stronger sense of established pattern.

are inclined to function

Focuses on inclination or predisposition rather than habitual action.

commonly function

Highlights the frequency of a particular mode of operation.

are apt to operate

Emphasizes the suitability or fitness of something for a particular function.

are prone to perform

Highlights the likelihood of something carrying out a specific action.

have a propensity to operate

Adds a sense of inherent tendency or inclination.

have a habit of performing

Focuses on the habitual nature of the action, suggesting a repeated pattern.

FAQs

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

Use "tend to work" to express a general likelihood or common behavior. For example, "Simple solutions "tend to work" best in these situations" or "People "tend to work" more efficiently in a comfortable environment".

What are some alternatives to "tend to work"?

Alternatives include "are likely to function", "generally function", or "usually operate". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "tend to work" formal or informal?

"Tend to work" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it's a common and widely understood phrase. The surrounding language and the specific context will determine the overall formality.

What's the difference between "tend to work" and "always work"?

"Tend to work" implies a probability or likelihood, while "always work" suggests a certainty. For example, "This strategy "tend to work"" means it's usually effective, but not guaranteed. "This strategy "always work"" means it is effective every time.