we tend to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we tend to wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a common behavior or tendency among a group of people regarding waiting for something. Example: "In our team meetings, we tend to wait for everyone to arrive before starting the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So, over here, we tend to wait.

The Guardian

But I think we tend to wait too long.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Social media marketers tend to wait for the perfect moment.

The Guardian

College-educated women tend to wait to marry before having their children.

The New York Times

Taiwanese companies tend to wait until after the lunar new year holiday before swinging the axe.

The Economist

Men tend to wait longer before seeking medical help – with fatal results.

Independent

"House buyers tend to wait for much longer before they think about spending so much money".

The Economist

"Men tend to wait until something goes wrong before they see someone," Ms. Kalanick said.

The New York Times

The ones who don't know him tend to wait for him to wave them to a chair.

The New Yorker

But financial firms tend to wait until the fourth quarter to make the call on the annual payouts.

The New York Times

Below are edited excerpts from the conversation: I tend to wait for true stories to mature into fiction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we tend to wait" when you want to express a general inclination or common behavior within a group, rather than a strict rule. It implies a probability, not a certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "we tend to wait" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "we usually wait" or "we often wait" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we tend to wait" functions as a statement of habitual action or inclination. It indicates a general pattern of behavior within a group, suggesting a common practice or tendency. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we tend to wait" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a habitual action or inclination within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media sources, with Science also being a notable context. While versatile, alternatives like "we usually wait" or "we often wait" can add variety to writing. Remember to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding overuse and ensuring it fits the context of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we usually wait

Replaces "tend to" with "usually", indicating a more frequent occurrence.

we typically wait

Substitutes "tend to" with "typically", suggesting a characteristic behavior.

we generally wait

Replaces "tend to" with "generally", implying a common practice.

we commonly wait

Uses "commonly" instead of "tend to", highlighting the frequency of the action.

we are inclined to wait

Expresses the tendency using "are inclined to", indicating a predisposition.

we have a habit of waiting

Focuses on the habitual nature of waiting, using "have a habit of".

we are prone to waiting

Emphasizes the likelihood of waiting, using "are prone to".

we often wait

Simplifies the phrase to "often wait", directly stating the frequency.

we sometimes wait

Indicates a less frequent occurrence of waiting, using "sometimes".

we prefer to wait

Suggests a preference for waiting, rather than a general tendency.

FAQs

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

You can use "we tend to wait" to express a common behavior or inclination within a group. For example, "In our team, "we tend to wait" for all members to be present before starting the meeting".

What's a more formal way to say "we tend to wait"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "we are inclined to wait" or "it is our general practice to wait" to convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Are there any situations where "we tend to wait" would be inappropriate?

The phrase is generally acceptable, but avoid using it in contexts where a firm commitment or guarantee is required. In such cases, use more definitive language.

What can I say instead of "we tend to wait"?

You can use alternatives like "we usually wait", "we generally wait", or "we often wait" depending on the context.