tend

Everyday

1. To usually do something or often be a certain way: "I tend to get tired in the afternoon." tree →
2. To look after someone or something: "tend the garden", "tend a wound". tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life "tend to" shows a habit or what is usual. In science and maths, "tends to" describes a pattern in data: "Taller children tend to have longer feet." In stories, nurses tend the sick and shepherds tend their sheep. Phrases: tend to, tend the garden, tend to the wounded.

Examples

• I tend to wake up early. tree →
• Cats tend to sleep a lot. tree →
• Grandad tends his vegetable garden every day. tree →
• The nurse tended the cut on my knee. tree →
• Plants tend to grow towards the light. tree →
• The shepherd tended his sheep on the hill. tree →
• I tend them carefully; I never miss one. tree →

Note

Regular verb: tend, tended. "Tend to" + verb means usually: "It tends to rain in April." A "tendency" is a habit or pattern. In maths and science, "tend to" means usually, not always; there can be exceptions.

In Jewish tradition

God is asked to tend His people as a shepherd, and Micah prays for God to tend Israel like a flock. In Proverbs, thoughts "tend" toward plenty, meaning they lead there.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the picture of God as shepherd as His care for Israel. Proverbs is read as teaching that careful work leads to good results.

Examples

• While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she tended them. (Torah GEN.29.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• It tends to be used of things that are marvelous, miraculous, or otherwise supernatural and extraordinary, i.e. that which defies the human ability to do or understand and must therefore be divine, e.g. [Deuteronomy 28:59], [Psalm 118:23], [Psalm 139:6]. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; and tend them, and carry them for ever. (Writings PSA.28.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but every one that is hasty hasteth only to want. (Writings PRO.21.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• Tend Thy people with Thy staff, the flock of Thy heritage, that dwell solitarily, as a forest in the midst of the fruitful field; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. (Prophets MIC.7.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: tend, tended. "Tend to" + verb means usually: "It tends to rain in April." A "tendency" is a habit or pattern. In maths and science, "tend to" means usually, not always; there can be exceptions.