a larger pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing trends, behaviors, or phenomena that are part of a broader context or framework. Example: "The data reveals a larger pattern of consumer behavior that suggests a shift in market preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's a larger pattern here.

The New Yorker

This is part of a larger pattern.

The New York Times

And it may be part of a larger pattern.

The New York Times

Ms. Tharp tends to sacrifice details to a larger pattern.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately this fits into a larger pattern of fostered suspicion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Eaton's results followed a larger pattern this earnings season.

The New York Times

And it's part of a larger pattern of change.

The New York Times

But North Carolina's comeback victory against Duke might have illustrated a larger pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

If you look at issues, you can also see a larger pattern.

The New York Times

I think they speak to a larger pattern in his campaign.

The New Yorker

Whatever the details of particular government mistakes, there is a larger pattern emerging here.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a larger pattern", ensure you clearly articulate the specific elements that constitute the pattern, providing sufficient evidence to support your claim. For example, instead of just stating "there's a larger pattern of declining sales", specify which products are affected, over what time period, and potential contributing factors.

Common error

Avoid claiming a "larger pattern" based on limited data or isolated incidents. Ensure that the observed trend is statistically significant and not merely a coincidence. Provide a robust rationale for why the observed occurrences form a genuine pattern, rather than jumping to conclusions based on superficial similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a larger pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a recurring arrangement or set of characteristics that can be observed across multiple instances. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a larger pattern" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression employed to denote a recurring trend or underlying structure connecting various events or observations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Usage ranges from formal academic discourse to neutral news reporting, with a notable prevalence in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure that sufficient evidence supports the existence of the purported pattern. For alternative phrasing, options such as ""a broader trend"", ""a wider context"", or ""an overarching theme"" offer nuanced variations. The key is to ensure clarity and avoid overstating the significance of the pattern based on limited data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broader trend

Focuses on the general direction or tendency, emphasizing the overall movement or shift.

a wider context

Emphasizes the surrounding circumstances and interconnected elements that give meaning to a specific event or situation.

a grander scheme

Suggests a deliberate and often ambitious plan or system, highlighting the coordinated nature of its components.

an overarching theme

Highlights the central or dominant idea that unifies different aspects of a subject or work.

a recurring motif

Draws attention to a repeated element or idea, often in art or literature, indicating its symbolic significance.

a systemic issue

Implicates problems rooted in the fundamental structure or organization of a system, rather than isolated incidents.

a prevailing narrative

Focuses on the dominant story or explanation that is widely accepted and used to interpret events.

a general principle

Highlights a fundamental rule or concept that applies broadly across different situations or cases.

a common thread

Emphasizes the unifying element that connects disparate ideas or events, creating a sense of coherence.

a connecting link

Highlights the element that joins seemingly separate entities to create a meaningful whole.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a larger pattern" in a sentence?

Use "a larger pattern" to connect specific observations to a broader trend or underlying cause. For example, "These individual cases of fraud suggest "a larger pattern" of systemic corruption within the organization".

What phrases can I use instead of "a larger pattern"?

Alternatives include "a broader trend", "a wider context", or "an overarching theme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I avoid misusing the phrase "a larger pattern"?

Ensure that your claim of "a larger pattern" is supported by sufficient evidence and is not based on isolated incidents or superficial similarities. Avoid overgeneralizing from limited data.

What is the difference between "a larger pattern" and "a trend"?

"A trend" generally refers to a direction or tendency over time, whereas ""a larger pattern"" implies a more complex and interconnected set of occurrences, suggesting an underlying structure or cause.