tendency to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tendency to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a recurring inclination to act in a certain way. For example, you could write "It has been observed that humans have a tendency to be socially isolated during times of crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Resist this tendency to illegality.

The New Yorker

Humanity has a tendency to be terrible.

The New York Times

They have a tendency to flee danger.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Currencies have a tendency to overshoot.

The Economist

A tendency to it is inherited.

The New Yorker

Regulation has an alarming tendency to creep.

The Economist

Tendency to wobble?

The Guardian - Sport

Tendency to scold?

The New York Times

Tendency to flirt?

The New York Times

There is a tendency to ignore things".

The New York Times

He has a tendency to overwork himself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general behavior, use "tendency to" to clearly indicate a common inclination rather than a guaranteed outcome. For example, "People have a "tendency to" seek comfort in familiar routines during stressful times."

Common error

Avoid using "tendency to" when describing an absolute certainty. Instead, use it to suggest a probability or likelihood. For example, instead of saying "Metals have a "tendency to" melt at room temperature", specify the conditions under which melting is likely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tendency to" functions as a modifier indicating a predisposition or likelihood of something occurring. It is often used to describe patterns of behavior or inherent characteristics, as Ludwig AI pointed out. It helps to qualify statements by suggesting a probability rather than an absolute certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tendency to" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a predisposition or likelihood, as supported by Ludwig AI. It functions as a modifier to qualify statements. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, remember to indicate a probability and avoid implying absolute certainty. Alternatives like "inclination towards" or "propensity for" can be considered for nuanced expression. With a high expert rating and a wealth of examples from reputable sources, "tendency to" is a valuable and versatile tool in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

propensity for

Highlights a natural inclination or inherent "tendency to" something, often something specific.

inclination towards

Focuses on a leaning or preference for something, similar to a "tendency to" but emphasizes desire.

leaning towards

Indicates a preference or inclination in a specific direction, similar to "tendency to" but less strong.

predisposition to

Implies a pre-existing inclination or vulnerability, resembling a "tendency to" but often related to health or genetics.

bent toward

Suggests a strong, natural "tendency to" something, often implying a particular talent or skill.

likelihood of

Emphasizes the probability or chance of something occurring, sharing the predictive aspect of a "tendency to".

aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural talent or skill in a certain area, aligning with a "tendency to" excel in that domain.

habit of

Describes a repeated behavior or pattern, similar to a "tendency to" but more focused on action.

susceptibility to

Similar to vulnerability, focusing on a greater chance of being affected by something, mirroring a "tendency to" experience it.

vulnerability to

Highlights susceptibility or openness to being affected by something, conveying a "tendency to" be harmed or influenced.

FAQs

How can I use "tendency to" in a sentence?

Use "tendency to" to describe a common inclination or likelihood. For example, "There is a "tendency to" oversimplify complex issues", or "He has a "tendency to" overwork himself".

What are some alternatives to "tendency to"?

You can use alternatives like "inclination towards", "propensity for", or "predisposition to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "tendency for" instead of "tendency to"?

While "tendency for" is sometimes used, "tendency to" is generally more common and grammatically preferred when followed by a verb. "Tendency for" is better suited when followed by a noun.

What's the difference between "tendency to" and "habit of"?

"Tendency to" describes a general inclination or likelihood, while "habit of" refers to a repeated behavior or pattern. A habit is a more established and consistent behavior than a tendency.