a pattern of activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pattern of activity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recurring behavior or trend observed in a specific context, such as research, analysis, or daily routines. Example: "The study revealed a pattern of activity among participants that indicated a preference for evening workouts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

This cue modality-specific activation was transformed into a pattern of activity reflecting cue meaning.

PAIN®

And each object would create a pattern of activity in the recorder of neurons.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The indictment depicts Moussaoui as having followed a pattern of activity similar to that of many of the hijackers.

The New Yorker

"It's a pattern of activity, and it's a vulnerability," said British Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, in an interview.

The Washington Post

"If there's a pattern of activity over time, especially combined with underlying technical tells, then, yeah, we're going to highlight it," he said.

The New Yorker

Eventually, all this collected data could reveal a pattern of activity that would point to dirty bankers and businessmen.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

No one is claiming that every Contra soldier has behaved in this manner, but both reports document a pattern of activity-countenance for which, in the case of the assassination of divilians, was spelled out in the belatedly disowned C.I.A. Instruction manual.

The New Yorker

People in that second group can be punished only if they engage in a "pattern of activities intended to identify and expose covert agents" knowing "that such activities would impair or impede the foreign intelligence activities of the United States".

The New York Times

We do not doe these things because our society is dominated by economic structures & an attendant ideology that confines our capacity within a pattern of activities designed to maintain & strengthen the ascendant structures.

The New Yorker

"It will look to see where the [bombs] are and check for a patterns of activity," says the spokesman.

Forbes

This continues a pattern of similar activity over the past year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing data, use "a pattern of activity" to describe recurring trends or behaviors that may not be immediately obvious but become clear over time.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a few isolated incidents constitute "a pattern of activity". Ensure there's sufficient evidence to demonstrate a consistent and recurring trend before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern of activity" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a recurring or observable sequence of actions or behaviors. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pattern of activity" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a recurring sequence of actions or behaviors. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that there is sufficient evidence to establish a consistent trend rather than relying on isolated incidents. Related phrases like "a trend of behavior" or "a recurring sequence" can be used as alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase serves primarily to describe and identify trends, making it a valuable tool for analysis and reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trend of behavior

Focuses on the general direction or tendency in actions or conduct.

a recurring sequence

Highlights the repetitive nature of a series of events or actions.

a consistent habit

Emphasizes the regularity and established nature of a particular action.

a typical routine

Describes a set of actions commonly performed in a regular order.

an established practice

Highlights a customary or well-known way of doing something.

a behavioral model

Refers to a set of actions that defines how someone or something typically acts.

a predictable cycle

Underscores the anticipated and repeating nature of a set of events.

a common practice

Focuses on the widespread or generally accepted way of doing something.

a habitual manner

Emphasizes the ingrained nature of an action or behavior.

a repetitive process

Highlights the repeated steps in a task or series of actions.

FAQs

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

Use "a pattern of activity" to describe a recurring or observable sequence of actions or behaviors. For example, "Researchers observed "a pattern of activity" that suggested increased stress levels during peak work hours."

What are some alternatives to "a pattern of activity"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a trend of behavior", "a recurring sequence", or "a consistent habit", depending on the context.

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

Both are grammatically correct but have slightly different meanings. "A pattern of activity" refers to a single, identifiable sequence, while "patterns of activity" suggests multiple, possibly distinct, recurring sequences or behaviors.

What's the difference between "a routine" and "a pattern of activity"?

"A routine" generally refers to a set of actions regularly followed. "A pattern of activity", while similar, implies a more analytical observation of recurring behaviors that may not be a consciously established routine but a noticeable trend.