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 • 1421 views

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

"tend to "

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.

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:

usually
often
frequently
commonly
regularly

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

"tended to"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

Early on, the outer planets tended to move around quite a bit.
Upon discontinuation, lesions tended to reappear at 4 weeks follow-up.
He had a fiery temperament and tended to play forte a lot.
The story tended to vary when she told it.
The guys who taught these things tended to get paid a lot of money being consultants.
Hippocrates noticed that a lot of his friends who also had that, tended to frequently grab their chests and die.
Patients tended to tolerate consolidation and maintenance treatment with less toxicity than in induction.
Africa's parliaments have tended to be neglected institutions.
It was not so long ago that policy-makers tended to shy away from globalisation.
'families tended to be large.
'In the East End of the Fifties, 'families tended to be large.
I mean, he tended to be a little, what's the word?Crazy.
Meriweather was one of the smartest men I ever knowed, but he tended to lose parts of himself.
He was a writer and so his descriptions tended to be a little lurid.
We proposed a dynamic program tended to progress and change.
They tended to whisper around me.
But she just tended to the dog writhing in pain.
Ruxin has affairs that need to be tended to.
It's time you tended to your family.
Most of our cultural heritage has tended to look backward, romanticizing the past.

Alternatives:

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

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.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

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....

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

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 :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

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

Arturo
from Mexico

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

Selena
from USA

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

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"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."

Wilson
from France

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

Susan
from Germany

tend to vs tended to

"tend to "

"tended to"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text