a general pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"a general pattern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a common or recurring theme or trend. Example 1: "The scientist noticed a general pattern in her data, showing a steady increase in temperature over the past decade." Example 2: "In his research, the historian identified a general pattern of political unrest leading to major social revolutions throughout history." Example 3: "The teacher taught her class about the general pattern of photosynthesis in plants, where sunlight is converted into energy." Example 4: "After analyzing several customer complaints, the company discovered a general pattern of dissatisfaction with their customer service department." Example 5: "The detective noticed a general pattern in the suspect's behavior, which helped him solve the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Taylor observes a general pattern.

The New York Times

There is a general pattern".

The Guardian - Books

Next come the reviews, which also follow a general pattern.

The New York Times - Books

In Bush's analysis of such contests, "there's kind of a general pattern".

The Guardian

As the journalist Ron Brownstein and others have noted, Democratic primary contests follow a general pattern.

The New York Times

"But the sexes were close enough to speak about a general pattern of automotive perception".

The New York Times

They complained of a general pattern of discrimination in pay and promotions.

The New York Times

There's a general pattern of a sharp warming from the 20th century onward.

The New York Times

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions offered a general pattern of scientific change.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, prosecutors have to show just that he exhibited a general pattern of behavior through overt acts.

The New York Times

Almost a year later, as a few of those initiatives have begun to take shape, a general pattern has emerged.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a general pattern" when you want to describe a trend or a recurring characteristic observed across multiple instances. It implies a regularity that isn't necessarily rigid but is still discernible.

Common error

Avoid using "a general pattern" when you need to describe an invariable and strict law. "A general pattern" suggests a common trend that may have exceptions, while a rigid rule has none.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a general pattern" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an overall trend or recurring arrangement observed across multiple instances. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a general pattern" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for describing recurring themes or trends. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. The phrase is most frequently found in science and news articles, demonstrating its applicability in both objective and descriptive contexts. While alternatives such as "a common trend" exist, ""a general pattern"" effectively communicates a discernible regularity. Remember to use it when describing trends with potential exceptions, not rigid rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common trend

Focuses on the directional movement observed across instances, rather than the structural arrangement.

a typical tendency

Emphasizes predictable behavior or inclination rather than a broader design or arrangement.

a usual characteristic

Highlights a trait or attribute that is commonly observed, instead of an overarching arrangement.

a standard arrangement

Suggests a setup or configuration that is frequently adopted, differing from an abstract regularity.

a recurring motif

Implies a repeated element or theme, particularly in artistic or narrative contexts.

a prevalent feature

Indicates a widespread aspect or attribute, shifting from the idea of a design to one of distribution.

a familiar structure

Conveys a known organizational format, rather than an indistinct regularity.

an established order

Refers to a recognized arrangement or sequence, differing from a non-specific trend.

a consistent theme

Underscores a unifying subject or idea that reappears across instances, rather than a structural regularity.

a widespread habit

Focuses on common or repeated behavior or practice among people

FAQs

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

You can use "a general pattern" to describe trends or recurring characteristics. For example, "The data reveals "a general pattern" of increasing temperatures over the last decade".

What are some alternatives to "a general pattern"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a common trend", "a typical tendency", or "a usual characteristic".

Is it always appropriate to use "a general pattern"?

While "a general pattern" is widely accepted, ensure that it accurately reflects the degree of regularity you intend to convey. If the situation calls for emphasizing strict rules, consider alternative phrasing.

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

"A general pattern" suggests a recurring theme observed broadly, while "a specific trend" indicates a particular direction or change occurring within a defined scope or timeframe. For instance, you might observe "a general pattern" of economic growth, but "a specific trend" of decline in manufacturing jobs.