tends to

USAGE SUMMARY

"tends to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a tendency or inclination, or to describe a general pattern. For example: "People living in urban environments tend to have more access to resources than those living in rural areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hilarity tends to ensue.

The New York Times - Arts

It tends to happen.

The Guardian

He tends to mumble.

The Economist

It tends to obliterate personality.

The New Yorker

COMPETITION tends to reduce profits.

The Economist

Hall tends to look happy.

The New Yorker

This tends to frustrate Fed.

The New York Times

It tends to be contagious.

The New York Times - Sports

It tends to spook them.

The New Yorker

Poor Tottenham tends to suffer.

The New York Times - Sports

One tends to doubt it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tends to", consider adding context to explain why the tendency exists.

Common error

Avoid using "tends to" when you want to express an absolute certainty. The phrase indicates a probability, not a guarantee.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tends to" functions as a modal verb indicating a predisposition or likelihood of something occurring. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe common behaviors, tendencies, or expected outcomes. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tends to" is a versatile expression used to indicate a common occurrence or a likely outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, it functions as a modal verb, softening claims by expressing probability rather than absolute certainty. It is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, it's best to provide context for the tendency and avoid using it for absolute certainties. According to Ludwig AI, "tends to" is correct and usable in written English, serving as a valuable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a tendency to

More formal and explicitly states a tendency.

is inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or willingness.

is prone to

Highlights a susceptibility to something, often negative.

generally does

Focuses on the typical action or behavior.

usually does

Emphasizes the frequency of an action.

typically does

Similar to 'usually does', highlighting typical behavior.

has a habit of

Indicates a repeated behavior, often unconscious.

often does

Simple and direct way to express frequent occurrence.

is apt to

Suggests a natural or inherent likelihood.

can be expected to

Implies a reasonable expectation based on past behavior or circumstances.

FAQs

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

Use "tends to" to describe a common or likely behavior or outcome. For example, "People who exercise regularly "tend to be healthier"".

What are some alternatives to "tends to"?

Alternatives include "usually does", "generally does", or "is inclined to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "tends to" or "always"?

"Tends to" implies a probability, while "always" implies a certainty. Use "tends to" when something is generally true but not in every single case. Use "always" only when there are no exceptions.

What's the difference between "tends to" and "is likely to"?

"Tends to" suggests a habitual or frequent occurrence based on observation, whereas "is likely to" suggests a probability based on current circumstances or available information. They are similar, but "tends to" emphasizes past behavior.