tending toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tending toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tendency or inclination towards a particular state, condition, or outcome. Example: "The research indicates that the population is tending toward a more sustainable lifestyle as awareness of environmental issues grows."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Phage isolates with colours tending toward yellow have high host ranges, whereas those tending towards red have narrow host ranges.

Ecological Processes

Southern raccoons are typically more silver, with northern "coons" tending toward blond or brown.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He's meticulous, thoughtful, innovative, tending toward the epic while also humanizing.

The New York Times - Books

"My thinking is tending toward allowing terror damages," Judge Hellerstein said.

The New York Times

As ever with the Presidents Cup, media coverage is tending toward the salacious.

The New Yorker

Its north south-aligned hill ranorth south-aligned narrow parallel valleys tending toward thillest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was given a diagnosis of incurable schizophrenia, tending toward catatonia.

The New Yorker

Then he attacks the center, dispatching oil paint in assorted hues tending toward bright.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet Mr. McGee, gentle and tending toward self-deprecation, seems on the fence.

The New York Times - Arts

No. 102 has some fine capitals, tending toward the Egyptian more than any Classical order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The LVESV is decreased and tends toward zero (kissing heart) which leads to an LV EF increase tending toward 100% (LV EF = LVEDV − LVESV/LVEDV × 100).

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "tending toward" with specific details to provide a clear picture of the direction or outcome being suggested. For instance, "The data is tending toward confirming the hypothesis" is more effective than simply "The data is tending toward."

Common error

Avoid using "tending toward" in overly passive constructions that obscure agency or responsibility. Instead of saying, "Mistakes are tending toward being made", a more direct statement would be "People are tending to make mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tending toward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a gradual movement or inclination in a specific direction. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across various domains, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tending toward" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate a gradual movement or inclination towards a particular state, opinion, or characteristic. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is most frequently found in Science and News & Media and is considered a common expression. To enhance clarity, use it with specific details. Ludwig AI analysis also suggests being mindful of passive constructions. Alternatives include "leaning towards" and "moving towards", offering nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning towards

Focuses on inclination but with a more physical analogy of leaning.

inclining towards

Highlights a predisposition or leaning in a particular direction.

moving towards

Emphasizes the dynamic aspect of progression in a specific direction.

heading towards

Suggests a planned or inevitable trajectory toward a specific outcome.

approaching

Highlights the act of getting closer to a specific state or condition.

gravitating towards

Implies a natural attraction or pull toward something.

drifting towards

Suggests a passive movement or shift in a certain direction.

progressing towards

Focuses on the advancement and development in a specific direction.

developing into

Emphasizes the transformation and evolution into a new state.

verging on

Indicates being on the edge of or closely approaching a certain condition.

FAQs

What does "tending toward" mean?

"Tending toward" means moving in a certain direction or being inclined to a particular state or characteristic. It suggests a gradual shift or inclination.

How can I use "tending toward" in a sentence?

You can use "tending toward" to describe a trend or evolving situation. For example: "The data is "tending toward" confirming the hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "tending toward"?

You can use alternatives like "leaning towards", "inclining towards", or "moving towards" depending on the context.

Is "tending toward" formal or informal?

"Tending toward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose the most appropriate alternative based on your audience and purpose. For more informal options, consider alternatives such as "drifting towards".