TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo