tend towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"tend towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an inclination or a tendency to move in a certain direction or to experience a certain outcome. For example, "This research tends towards the conclusion that the policy needs to be revised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I tend towards position (3).

The Economist

I tend towards the latter.

The Guardian

Do people tend towards skepticism, generally speaking?

The New Yorker

Arts television programmes tend towards the ephemeral.

The Guardian

Veal and pork meatballs tend towards bounciness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our minds tend towards the prosaic.

The Guardian - Books

Taste-makers often tend towards the bizarre.

The Guardian - Opinion

It can tend towards the status quo, or be fearful.

The Guardian - Opinion

We would tend towards a programme of constructive dialogue instead".

The Guardian

Sometimes, too, the more philosophical passages tend towards the windy.

The Guardian - Books

My natural inclination is to tend towards the former.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tend towards" to describe a general inclination or direction, rather than a definitive outcome. For instance, "The data tends towards supporting the hypothesis" indicates a leaning but not conclusive evidence.

Common error

Avoid using "tend towards" when you want to express a definite outcome. It indicates a probability or inclination, not a guaranteed result. For example, instead of saying "The project tends towards success" when it's already successful, state: "The project is a success."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tend towards" functions as a verb phrase indicating a propensity, inclination, or directional movement. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a leaning rather than a certainty. Examples show its use in various contexts to express general tendencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tend towards" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a general inclination, direction, or likelihood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. It's important to remember that it conveys a probability or tendency rather than a guaranteed outcome. When writing, ensure that you are using it to express inclination rather than certainty. Remember that other phrases like "incline to" or "lean toward" can act as suitable replacements depending on the nuance you want to communicate. Using this advice will make your writing more precise and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incline to

This alternative focuses on a predisposition or leaning towards something.

lean toward

Similar to 'incline to', this suggests a directional bias or preference.

be inclined to

Focuses on a mental or emotional leaning.

gravitate toward

Implies a natural pull or attraction towards something.

show a tendency for

Highlights the demonstration of a pattern of behavior or outcome.

have a propensity for

Highlights an inherent tendency or inclination.

be predisposed to

Suggests a pre-existing condition or inclination.

move toward

Emphasizes the act of progressing in a certain direction.

develop into

Focuses on the transformation or progression into something else.

head in the direction of

Specifically refers to a directional movement or progression.

FAQs

How can I use "tend towards" in a sentence?

Use "tend towards" to describe a general inclination or direction. For example, "People "incline towards" simpler solutions when faced with complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "tend towards"?

You can use alternatives such as "lean toward", "incline to", or "gravitate toward" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "tends to" or "tends towards"?

Both "tends to" and "tends towards" are grammatically correct and express similar meanings. However, "tends towards" often implies a more directional or progressive inclination.

What is the difference between "tend towards" and "move towards"?

"Tend towards" suggests a general inclination, while "move towards" implies a more deliberate action or progression in a specific direction.