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tend to vs tended to

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Tend to' is used to express a general truth or habitual action in the present, while 'tended to' is used to talk about past actions or habits.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

tend to

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express a general truth or habitual action in the present.

Use 'tend to' when you want to talk about something that is likely to happen or a habit that someone usually has in the present.

Examples:

  • I tend to get up early in the morning.
  • He tends to forget his keys at home.

Alternatives:

  • usually
  • often
  • frequently
  • commonly
  • regularly

tended to

This phrase is correct and commonly used to talk about past actions or habits.

Use 'tended to' when referring to something that was likely to happen or a habit that someone usually had in the past.

Examples:

  • She tended to be late for meetings.
  • They tended to argue about trivial things.

Alternatives:

  • used to
  • was inclined to
  • had a tendency to
  • was prone to
  • had a habit of

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