we tend to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we tend to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pattern or tendency - for example, "We tend to buy too much food when we go grocery shopping".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We tend to underuse celery.

Independent

We tend to travel on our own.

The New York Times - Sports

We tend to admire extroverted leaders.

The New York Times

What would we tend to get?

The New York Times

We tend to know until we ask.

The Economist

In conversation we tend to one another.

The New York Times

"We tend to embody that," he adds.

The New York Times

We tend to personalize our ideals.

The New York Times

We tend to overstate what has changed.

The New York Times

We tend to focus more on that".

The New York Times

"We tend to be risk takers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure. While "we tend to" is useful, try incorporating alternatives like "we generally" or "we are inclined to" for stylistic diversity.

Common error

Avoid using "we tend to" when you want to express an absolute rule or certainty. This phrase indicates a general trend, not an unbreakable law. If you need to communicate certainty, use other stronger expressions such as "we always" or "we will".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we tend to" functions as a modal expression indicating a common behavior, inclination, or probability. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts to describe tendencies rather than absolutes, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we tend to" is a versatile phrase used to express common behaviors or inclinations within a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though care should be taken to avoid overstating certainties. Alternatives like "we generally" or "we usually" can add variety to writing. With its frequent use in news, media, and academic sources, mastering "we tend to" enhances clarity and nuance in expressing collective tendencies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we generally

This alternative replaces "tend to" with "generally", indicating a common or usual occurrence.

we usually

This alternative substitutes "tend to" with "usually", suggesting a typical or frequent action.

we typically

This alternative uses "typically" instead of "tend to", conveying a sense of standard or expected behavior.

we are inclined to

This alternative replaces "tend to" with "are inclined to", implying a predisposition or leaning towards something.

we are apt to

This alternative uses "are apt to" instead of "tend to", suggesting a natural or habitual tendency.

we are prone to

This alternative substitutes "tend to" with "are prone to", indicating a susceptibility or likelihood of something happening.

we have a tendency to

This alternative expands the original phrase, explicitly stating a "tendency" or inclination.

we often

This alternative uses "often" instead of "tend to", indicating frequent occurrence without necessarily implying inclination.

we are wont to

A more formal and somewhat archaic alternative, using "wont to" to indicate a habitual action.

it is our habit to

This alternative expresses a customary practice, replacing "tend to" with a direct statement of habit.

FAQs

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

Use "we tend to" to describe a common behavior or inclination within a group. For example, "we tend to overlook details when we're in a hurry".

What are some alternatives to "we tend to"?

You can use phrases like "we generally", "we usually", or "we are inclined to" as alternatives to "we tend to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "we tend to" in formal writing?

Yes, "we tend to" is appropriate for formal writing. It strikes a balance between acknowledging a common behavior and avoiding overly assertive claims. For more formal contexts, consider "we are inclined to".

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

"We tend to" implies a general pattern or likelihood, while "we always" indicates something happens without exception. For example, "we tend to arrive late" suggests lateness is common, whereas "we always arrive late" means it happens every time.