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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 • 2815 views

have a tendency to

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

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.
  • 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

tend to

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