a few patterns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few patterns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of identifiable designs, trends, or regularities in various contexts, such as art, behavior, or data analysis. Example: "In the study, we observed a few patterns in the participants' responses that indicated a preference for certain options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A few patterns did seem to be emerging.

The New York Times

In any case, ConsumerLab.com says it has found a few patterns that consumers may find helpful.

The New York Times - Health

But among those readers who filled out the calculator, a few patterns emerged: * Some of the most popular choices for budget cuts were administrative areas, including a reduction in recruiting expenses and a consolidation of retail stores on military bases.

The New York Times

A few patterns have been noted: many of the attacks originated on computers located in China and the spymasters seemed to have a fondness for the Indian Defense Ministry, Tibetan human rights advocates, the Dalai Lama and foreign journalists who cover China and Taiwan.

The New York Times

A few patterns become obvious.

Forbes

To do that, we mine StackOverflow's repositories to find a few patterns that raise several questions.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The user of the system detects and repairs a few pattern detection errors caused by the RBR part.

Artificial Intelligence

In spite of the generally low impact of all types of patterns (including motifs) found in the analyzed networks, a few pattern instances cause a significant perturbation upon their removal.

BMC Systems Biology

A few pattern suggestions are listed below: Tartan: Large, old-fashioned looking pattern.

WikiHow

There are also a few pattern choices you will want to make: Wear vertical stripes.

WikiHow

A few pattern suggestions are listed below: Not all plaids are created equal.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few patterns", ensure the context provides clarity about what constitutes a 'pattern'. Be specific in describing these patterns to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vaguely referring to "a few patterns" without providing concrete details. Ambiguous pattern descriptions can confuse your audience and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few patterns" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and refers to a limited number of identifiable trends or designs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few patterns" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the presence of a limited number of observable trends or designs. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, from informal discussions to more formal scientific or news reporting. This phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Science domains. When employing "a few patterns", clarity and specificity are key; ensure you provide enough detail to accurately convey the nature of these patterns and avoid vagueness. For alternative expressions, consider "some trends" or "several designs", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some trends

Focuses on the direction or tendency of something over time.

several designs

Emphasizes the distinct arrangements or structures observed.

a handful of motifs

Highlights recurring elements or themes that are limited in number.

a couple of regularities

Stresses the consistent and predictable aspects of the observed instances.

limited tendencies

Underscores the restricted scope or extent of the observed trends.

certain regularities

Indicates that there are specific patterns that can be observed.

a selection of models

Focuses on the choice or collection of patterns that are available or being considered.

multiple commonalities

Implies several shared features or aspects.

a small number of tendencies

Indicates few inclining properties.

notable common threads

Highlights important or significant commonalities.

FAQs

How can I use "a few patterns" in a sentence?

You can use "a few patterns" to describe recurring trends or designs you've observed, such as "We identified "a few patterns" in customer behavior that suggest a need for improved service".

What's a more formal way to say "a few patterns"?

More formal alternatives include "several trends", "certain regularities", or "discernible commonalities" depending on the specific context and what you wish to emphasize.

What can I say instead of "a few patterns" when discussing designs?

When specifically discussing designs, you could use phrases like "several designs", "a selection of models", or "a handful of motifs".

Is it better to say "a few patterns" or "some patterns"?

"A few patterns" and "some trends" are often interchangeable, but "a few" implies a smaller, more specific number than "some". Choose the phrase that best reflects the quantity and specificity you wish to convey.