tend
B1Neutral formal/informal
Definition
Meaning
To regularly or frequently behave or act in a particular way; to have a disposition or inclination toward something.
To care for or look after someone or something; to manage the operations of something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an intransitive verb (tend to do something), it indicates a habitual inclination. As a transitive verb (tend something/someone), it means to care for or manage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The transitive sense ('to tend a garden') is slightly more common in US English.
Connotations
Transitive use ('tend the flock') can sound slightly archaic or literary in both varieties.
Frequency
Both varieties use the intransitive 'tend to' with similar high frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + tend + to-infinitive (intransitive)Subject + tend + direct object (transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tend to your own knitting”
- “tend the home fires”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Markets tend to react slowly to such news.
Academic
These studies tend to confirm the initial hypothesis.
Everyday
I tend to have coffee first thing in the morning.
Technical
The system tends toward equilibrium over time.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- British summers tend to be quite changeable.
- He was hired to tend the bar at the local pub.
American English
- American cars tend to be larger on average.
- She tends her grandmother's garden on weekends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I tend to wake up early.
- Cats tend to sleep a lot.
- Prices tend to rise during the holidays.
- He tends to forget his keys.
- Historical narratives tend to oversimplify complex events.
- She diligently tends her small organic farm.
- His political views tend towards the libertarian.
- The nurse was tasked with tending the wounded soldier.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a gardener who TENDS plants; they bend (TEND) over them regularly to care for them.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS TENDENCY (tend towards chaos), CARE IS ATTENTION (tend the sick).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'иметь тенденцию' for simple habitual actions; use 'tend to' more freely.
- Do not confuse with 'tender' (нежный).
Common Mistakes
- *I am tending go there' (missing 'to') -> 'I tend to go there'.
- *He tends arriving late' (gerund after 'tend to') -> 'He tends to arrive late'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'tend' in its transitive sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is followed by a 'to'-infinitive when used intransitively (tend to do). It is never followed directly by a gerund.
'Tend to' describes a habitual action or natural inclination. 'Intend to' describes a planned or purposeful future action.
Yes, but typically only for the transitive meaning (caring for) or to describe a current, developing tendency. 'He is tending the fire.' 'Demand is tending upwards.'
It is neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In very casual speech, 'usually' or 'mostly' might be used instead of 'tend to'.