Soler vs. tender
Soler' and tender are two Spanish verbs that indicate a tendency or habitual action. Both have the connotation of something done frequently or characteristically, but they are used in subtly different ways. While soler reflects a habit or something that happens with regularity, tender suggests an inclination or predisposition towards a certain behavior or action. Understanding the nuances between these verbs can improve your ability to express yourself in Spanish.
Soler
A2Soler is a verb used to indicate an action that is commonly or usually carried out by someone, expressing habitual behavior or regular occurrence. It is often followed by the preposition a and an infinitive verb.
Yo suelo ir al gimnasio por las mañanas.
(I usually go to the gym in the mornings.)
Los estudiantes suelen estudiar en la biblioteca.
(Students tend to study in the library.)
En ese restaurante suelen servir comida casera.
(In that restaurant, they usually serve homemade food.)
Tender
B1Tender suggests a tendency, predisposition or inclination towards something rather than a fixed habit. It is often used to indicate a likelihood of occurrence under certain conditions, or a natural inclination to act in a certain way. Unlike soler, it can refer to potential behavior rather than what actually happens on a regular basis, and is often translated as to tend to.
Ese tejido tiende a encogerse con el calor.
(That fabric tends to shrink with heat.)
Tiendo a olvidar las cosas cuando estoy estresado.
(I tend to forget things when I'm stressed.)
Los niños tienden a dormir más horas que los adultos.
(Children tend to sleep more hours than adults.)
Summary
Both soler and tender express frequency, but while soler refers to established habits and regular occurrences, tender describes inclinations or predispositions that may not always result in action, but suggest a natural or likely response under certain conditions.