a familiar pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a familiar pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a recurring or recognizable sequence of events, behaviors, or characteristics. Example: "The sudden increase in complaints about the service follows a familiar pattern that we have seen in previous years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Their dispute had followed a familiar pattern.

The Economist

The results follow a familiar pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

The allegations fit a familiar pattern.

The Economist

This follows a familiar pattern.

The Guardian

It is a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

It's following a familiar pattern.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has become a familiar pattern.

The Guardian - Opinion

The case fits a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

Nonsense suggesting sense is a familiar pattern.

The New Yorker

This is a familiar pattern for the UK.

The Guardian - Business

Such acts of cultural sabotage are becoming a familiar pattern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a familiar pattern", ensure the context clearly establishes what the pattern is and why it is considered familiar to the audience. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a familiar pattern" without adequately explaining the specifics of the pattern or why it should be recognized as such by your audience. Always provide enough detail for comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a familiar pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies a recognizable and recurring sequence or set of characteristics. Ludwig's examples show its usage in diverse contexts, highlighting its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a familiar pattern" is a commonly used phrase to describe recurring sequences, behaviors, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, formal communication, and scientific writing. The phrase serves to indicate predictability and understanding based on past experiences. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the pattern is well-defined for your audience to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a recurring trend" or "a common occurrence" can be used to add nuance. By providing adequate context, you can effectively use "a familiar pattern" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring trend

Focuses on the trend aspect, emphasizing repetition over time.

a common occurrence

Highlights the frequency of the event, suggesting it happens often.

a typical sequence

Emphasizes the order of events and how they usually unfold.

a predictable course of events

Highlights the ability to foresee what will happen next.

an established routine

Suggests a set of actions that are regularly and habitually followed.

a well-worn path

Implies that the course of action has been taken many times before.

a customary practice

Emphasizes the traditional or habitual nature of the behavior.

a standard procedure

Suggests that the process is formalized and consistently applied.

a repetitive cycle

Focuses on the cyclical nature of the events, highlighting their recurrence.

a known quantity

Highlights the aspect of being known and understood, reducing uncertainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a familiar pattern" to describe recurring sequences or trends. For example: "The company's quarterly losses followed "a familiar pattern" of decreased sales during the summer months".

What are some alternatives to "a familiar pattern"?

Some alternatives include "a recurring trend", "a common occurrence", or "a typical sequence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the familiar pattern" instead of "a familiar pattern"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A familiar pattern" refers to one instance of a known pattern, while "the familiar pattern" implies a specific, previously mentioned pattern.

What is the difference between "a familiar pattern" and "a common theme"?

"A familiar pattern" refers to a sequence of events or behaviors that recur, while "a common theme" refers to an idea or subject that appears repeatedly. While related, patterns focus on actions and events, and themes focus on ideas.