widespread tendency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread tendency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common or prevalent behavior, attitude, or pattern observed in a particular context or among a group of people. Example: "There is a widespread tendency among teenagers to use social media as their primary means of communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

As a result, there is a widespread tendency to understaff to save on those costs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The widespread tendency to discount the future causes us to ignore looming problems, such as the current credit crisis.

Harvard University

(Eric Dolphy and Andrew Hill were two well-known examples, but from 1961 to 1965 this was a widespread tendency).

The New York Times - Arts

The widespread tendency, even within AI, to anthropomorphize machines makes it easier to convince us of their intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence

Partly because of the widespread tendency for Americans to think of themselves as "middle class," subjective class identity often does not correspond to objective class position.

Harvard University

On top of this, there's a widespread tendency to treat failure as a badge of honor: "Fail fast, fail often" is a familiar mantra in Silicon Valley.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

He goes on to say "The absence from the exhibition of works analogous to the widespread tendencies in the West, such as Tachisme, Surrealism, abstract painting, etc, reflects the nonexistence of such tendencies in Soviet art..

The New Yorker

He goes on to say "The absence from the exhibition of works analogous to the widespread tendencies in the West, such as Tachisme, Surrealism, abstract painting, etc, reflects the nonexistence of such tendencies in Soviet art.

The New Yorker

Only such wider tendencies or character traits make someone immoral as a person, but it seems harder to imagine how there could be no reason to avoid such widespread tendencies.

SEP

Even if reasons are restricted to self-interest, widespread tendencies to immorality might always be dangerous to the agent's self-interest, and then, again, there will always be reason not to be an immoral person.

SEP

While originally recognised among students in the early 1960s, it is likely that this reflects enduring and widespread tendencies for the expression of psychological distress, informed by cultural norms and traditional medicine services.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread tendency", provide specific examples or evidence to support your assertion. Avoid making broad generalizations without concrete illustrations.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread tendency" when the behavior or pattern is only observed in a small or localized group. Overstating the prevalence can weaken your argument and reduce credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread tendency" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows it is used to identify a common or prevalent inclination, pattern, or behavior within a specific group or context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "widespread tendency" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a common behavior, pattern, or inclination within a group or context. According to Ludwig, its usage spans various fields, including academia, news media, and scientific research. While versatile, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the observed behavior is genuinely prevalent and supported by evidence. Common alternatives include "common inclination" and "general trend".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common inclination

Focuses on the inclination aspect, suggesting a natural leaning rather than a broad trend.

general trend

Emphasizes a pattern observed over time, removing the element of inclination or disposition.

prevalent habit

Highlights the habitual nature of the tendency, suggesting routine behavior.

ubiquitous pattern

Stresses the widespread nature, using 'ubiquitous' to mean very common or present everywhere.

common practice

Highlights the practical, action-oriented nature of the tendency, focusing on what is done.

general disposition

Emphasizes an inherent quality or temperament rather than an observed trend.

prevailing attitude

Shifts the focus to a shared mindset or sentiment rather than a behavior.

widespread custom

Highlights a traditional and accepted way of behaving within a community or group.

accepted norm

Focuses on the standardized and approved behavior within a group or society.

popular inclination

Highlights the widespread popularity of the tendency, suggesting it's favored by many.

FAQs

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

You can use "widespread tendency" to describe a common behavior or pattern. For example: "There is a "widespread tendency" to rely on social media for news."

What's a good alternative to "widespread tendency"?

Alternatives include "common inclination", "general trend", or "prevalent habit", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "widespread tendency" or "common tendency"?

"Widespread tendency" emphasizes the breadth of the tendency, while "common tendency" simply highlights its frequent occurrence. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the degree of prevalence you want to convey.

What are some examples of a "widespread tendency" in modern society?

Examples include the "widespread tendency" to multitask, the "widespread tendency" to consume processed foods, or the "widespread tendency" to prioritize convenience over sustainability.