have a tendency to vs tend to

Both 'have a tendency to' and 'tend to' are correct phrases that can be used interchangeably in many contexts. 'Tend to' is more concise and commonly used in everyday language, while 'have a tendency to' is slightly more formal. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 3091 views

This phrase is correct but slightly more formal than 'tend to'. It is used to indicate a habitual or likely behavior.

"have a tendency to"

This phrase is used to express a recurring pattern or inclination towards a particular action or behavior. It is often used in more formal contexts.

Examples:

Children have a tendency to imitate their parents.
He has a tendency to arrive late for meetings.
She has a tendency to worry too much about the future.

Show examples from the web [+]

The fruits have a tendency to develop russeting.
People have a tendency to do that.
You have a tendency to ruin nice moments.
You have a tendency to talk too fast.
Sometimes new car owners have a tendency to exaggerate their problems.
Men have a tendency to believe whatever supports their existing prejudice.
You have a tendency to get too close to our Jee Hyang.
You have a tendency to disappear.
They have a tendency to go missing if we start proceedings.
You have a tendency to fly off the handle with too little information.
It may delay my plans, but babies have a tendency to grow up.
Once they pump 200 million volts of electricity through your body, you have a tendency to spend the rest of your days in an ashtray.
They have a tendency to do that When you're driving up on the sidewalk.
There is no shortage of control mechanisms in the EU; they have a tendency to develop into self-sustaining bureaucratic instruments.
But you have a tendency to forget that I am the commander of this regiment, not you.
Human beings have a tendency to bury their heads in the sand.
When you stray from the subject, or play with words as you like to say I have a tendency to become a little sentimental.
Companies have a tendency to compromise, even when they are not accountable, so as to avoid a long judicial procedure.
As numerous studies have shown, governments have a tendency to excessive deficits, and only implement reforms when there is a crisis.
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, fortunate and independent countries have a tendency to forget the fate of those not equally blessed.

Alternatives:

tend to
are inclined to
have a habit of
have a propensity to
have a proclivity for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language. It is more concise than 'have a tendency to'.

"tend to"

'Tend to' is used to indicate a general likelihood or inclination towards a particular action or behavior. It is commonly used in informal contexts.

Examples:

I tend to forget people's names easily.
She tends to procrastinate when it comes to studying.
They tend to go for a walk after dinner.

Show examples from the web [+]

People tend to divide things into two categories.
Voters tend to identify best with smaller electoral districts.
Criminal hideouts tend to be pretty nondescript.
Poor people tend to be honorable.
I tend to do it, although not much.
I tend to keep my reporters on a short leash.
They tend to cost innocent lives.
Statistically, property prices tend to increase over time.
More recent sales contracts tend to have shorter duration.
Public opinion polls tend to support this approach.
SVU detectives tend to see women as victims.
They tend to be mainly women.
People tend to abuse this privilege.
People out here tend to respect each other's privacy.
These babies tend to heat up, so shoot in three-second bursts.
The Kazon tend to be excessive in their use of force.
Most people today tend to vest themselves in science and cynicism.
People who kill repeatedly tend to have patterns.
Old people tend to be mistrustful.
And hostages tend to get killed.

Alternatives:

have a tendency to
are inclined to
have a habit of
have a propensity to
have a proclivity for

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have a tendency to vs tend to