Learn English – Difference between tend and tend to

differencesmeaningverbs

What's the difference between "tend" and "tend to" somebody/something? (concerning the meaning of the word in the sense of caring/attending)

I have read the definition by Oxford dictionaries, which state:
VERB
[with object]
"Care for or look after; give one's attention to"
Example:
"Varela tended plants on the roof"

[no object]
"ambulance crews were tending to the injured"

I have three questions about this verb.

  1. When do you use "tend" and "tend to" respectively? What's the difference in meaning between them?

  2. The Oxford dictionary gave one example with object and one without. When should you use object and when not for this verb?

  3. What things can you "tend" or "tend to"? For example, can you tend / tend to a life / people's lives?

Thanks for any explanations!

Best Answer

Collins gives the following explanation:

If you tend someone or something, you do what is necessary to keep them in a good condition or to improve their condition.

whereas

If you tend to someone or something, you pay attention to them and deal with their problems and needs.