Trend and tendency are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. A trend refers to a general direction of change, often in fashion, behavior, or opinion, that is noticeable over a period of time. A tendency, on the other hand, describes a general inclination or likelihood towards something, often a behavior or characteristic. Trends are usually broader and more easily observable than tendencies, which can be more subtle and personal.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Trend: "There's a current trend towards wearing vintage clothing." (Meaning: Many people are wearing vintage clothing.)
• Tendency: "She has a tendency to be shy in large groups." (Meaning: She is often shy in large groups.)

Another example:

• Trend: "The trend in global temperatures is upwards." (Meaning: Global temperatures are generally increasing.)
• Tendency: "He has a tendency to procrastinate." (Meaning: He often delays things.)

Notice how 'trend' describes a larger pattern observable across a population while 'tendency' points to a personal inclination or a likelihood of a repeated behavior. The duration of the trend is also longer than the tendency. Trends are usually about the changes that occur over time. Tendencies often relate to individual characteristics, which are often less observable than trends. You may have a personal tendency, which means it is not a trend for society.

Let's look at another pair of examples:

• Trend: "The latest trend in smartphone technology is foldable screens." (Meaning: Many new smartphones have foldable screens.)
• Tendency: "He has a tendency to forget appointments." (Meaning: He often forgets his appointments.)

Happy learning!