a pattern of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pattern of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the regular occurrence of something. For example, "He created a pattern of weekly check-ins with his team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Display a pattern of leadership.

The Economist

A pattern of deception!

The New Yorker

Critics see a pattern of obfuscation.

The New York Times

Is there a pattern of perdition here?

Independent

A pattern of abuse or a pattern of lies?

The Washington Post

There is a pattern of behaviour here.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a pattern of solving problems".

The Guardian

"This is a pattern of behaviour.

The Guardian - Sport

A PATTERN OF TEMPLATES "Let's do lunch".

The New York Times - Magazine

It set a pattern of sorts.

The Guardian - Sport

"You can see a pattern of life.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of related events or behaviors, use "a pattern of" to clearly indicate a recurring theme or tendency.

Common error

Avoid jumping to conclusions about a "pattern of" behavior based on only one or two instances. Ensure there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate a recurring and consistent trend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern of" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, modifying another noun to indicate a recurring sequence or arrangement of events, behaviors, or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a commonly used phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pattern of" effectively highlights recurring sequences or arrangements across diverse contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register and widespread usage in news, media, academic, and wiki sources underscore its versatility. To enhance your writing, use this phrase to spotlight consistent trends, while avoiding hasty conclusions based on limited evidence. Consider alternatives like "a trend of" or "a series of" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trend of

Emphasizes the direction or tendency observed over time.

a series of

Highlights the sequential nature of events or items.

a history of

Focuses on past occurrences and their cumulative effect.

a display of

Implies a visible or noticeable manifestation of something.

a system of

Suggests an organized or structured arrangement.

a cycle of

Highlights the repetitive and cyclical nature of events.

a chain of

Emphasizes the interconnectedness of events or items.

a recurrence of

Focuses on the repeated appearance of something.

an arrangement of

Highlights the spatial or organizational aspect.

a repetition of

Stresses the duplication or reiteration of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a pattern of" to describe a recurring series of actions, events, or characteristics. For example, "The investigation revealed "a pattern of fraud" within the company".

What are some alternatives to "a pattern of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a trend of", "a history of", or "a series of".

Is it correct to say "patterns of" instead of "a pattern of"?

Yes, "patterns of" is correct when referring to multiple distinct patterns. "A pattern of" refers to a single, identifiable pattern.

What's the difference between "a pattern of behavior" and "an instance of behavior"?

"A pattern of behavior" indicates repeated actions or habits, whereas "an instance of behavior" refers to a single occurrence.