往往 (wǎngwǎng) – often, tend to (as a rule)

Pattern

• Condition，Subject + 往往 + Verb phrase

Usage

• An adverb for something that tends to happen as a rule or from experience; the sentence needs a clear condition or context (when …, the more … the more …), and it describes established patterns, not future wishes.

Examples

1. 1

   人在生病的时候，心情往往比较脆弱。

   Rén zài shēngbìng de shíhou, xīnqíng wǎngwǎng bǐjiào cuìruò.

   When people are ill, they tend to feel emotionally fragile.

2. 2

   越是重要的事情，过程往往越复杂。

   Yuè shì zhòngyào de shìqing, guòchéng wǎngwǎng yuè fùzá.

   The more important something is, the more complicated the process tends to be.