a continuing pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a continuing pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or trend that persists over time without interruption. Example: "The data shows a continuing pattern of increased sales during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He contrasts its three generations of peace with a continuing pattern of murderous warfare elsewhere.

The Economist

Most of the problems occurred during the Bush administration, but documents revealed a continuing pattern of lax oversight.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Fontaine believes that the basis of the settlement -- the individual environmental assessments -- fits a continuing pattern of unfairness.

The New York Times - Sports

Though Perry insists that his last attempts to jangle Lurie were the calls of April, 2009, Lurie sees a continuing pattern of alarming events.

The New Yorker

The charges accuse Mr. Traficant, an Ohio Democrat, of engaging in a "continuing pattern and practice of official misconduct," including accepting kickbacks, encouraging the destruction of evidence, defrauding the United States and filing false income tax returns.

The New York Times

If your girlfriend believed that the landlord engaged in a continuing pattern of discrimination -- if, for example, he managed many large buildings and displayed a sign in his office saying "No Irish Need Apply (Practicing Discrimination Since 1847)" -- then she would have to refuse the apartment and notify the authorities.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"However," the ACLU adds, "there is a widespread, continuing pattern of law enforcement officers ordering people to stop taking photographs or video in public places and harassing, detaining, and arresting those who fail to comply".

Vice

This work is in itself a symbol of the continuing pattern of musical-political intrigue that has so often dogged music in France.

The Economist

Estlund makes a compelling case that, despite continuing patterns of hierarchy and discrimination, workplaces are the only environments where most people are likely to have sustained encounters with people of differing racial, cultural, and ideological backgrounds.

Huffington Post

Continuing a pattern that has held for more than a year, credit card issuers last quarter mailed out fewer new-card offers than they did in the quarter before.

The New York Times

After last season's captain, Brian Gionta (a Rochester boy), left for Buffalo, the club balked at promoting Subban, continuing a pattern, dating to his arrival, of hesitant embrace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a continuing pattern", ensure the context clearly establishes the time frame and scope of the repetition. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific examples or data points that illustrate the pattern.

Common error

Avoid using "a continuing pattern" to describe isolated incidents or short-term trends. This phrase implies a long-term, established repetition that warrants attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a continuing pattern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a recognizable and repeated sequence of events or behaviors. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes a situation or trend that persists over time without interruption.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a continuing pattern" is a noun phrase used to describe repeated events or behaviors. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides clear examples and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a persistent trend" or "a recurring theme". Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent trend

Replaces "pattern" with "trend", focusing on the direction or tendency of events.

an ongoing sequence

Substitutes "continuing pattern" with "ongoing sequence", highlighting the sequential and uninterrupted nature.

a recurring theme

Emphasizes the thematic repetition rather than a visual or statistical pattern.

an established routine

Suggests a fixed and predictable series of actions or events.

a repeated cycle

Focuses on the cyclical nature of the events, highlighting their return to a starting point.

a consistent habit

Implies the pattern is habitual or ingrained behavior.

a regular recurrence

Highlights the regular and predictable nature of the repeating events.

a familiar cycle

Focuses on the recognizability of the repeating events or phases.

a sustained repetition

Underscores the idea of uninterrupted repetition over a considerable period.

a predictable course

Indicates that the events follow a known and anticipated progression.

FAQs

How can I use "a continuing pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "a continuing pattern" to describe a series of events or behaviors that consistently repeat over time. For example: "The study revealed "a continuing pattern" of late payments among new clients."

What are some alternatives to "a continuing pattern"?

Alternatives include "a persistent trend", "an ongoing sequence", or "a recurring theme", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a continuous pattern" instead of "a continuing pattern"?

While both terms relate to patterns, "continuing" emphasizes an ongoing action or process, whereas "continuous" implies something without interruption. "A continuing pattern" suggests that the pattern has been observed multiple times over a period.

What's the difference between "a continuing pattern" and "a trend"?

"A trend" generally refers to a direction or tendency, while "a continuing pattern" implies a more structured and predictable repetition of events or behaviors. A trend may be part of "a continuing pattern", but not all patterns are trends.