a pattern of retaliation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pattern of retaliation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recurring behavior or response characterized by revenge or retribution in various contexts, such as conflict resolution or social dynamics. Example: "The ongoing disputes between the two groups have created a pattern of retaliation that escalates tensions further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Captain Gatto filed a lawsuit in June in State Supreme Court in Manhattan under the state's whistle-blower law over what his lawyer, Jill Greenwald, called a pattern of retaliation and harassment by superiors that included providing him with shoddy equipment and repeatedly denying him raises and promotions.

The New York Times

The result was a pattern of retaliation that eventually led to a demotion and pay cut -- and the biggest sex discrimination case in history.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When she put an end to the relationship, it says, he "started a consistent pattern of retaliation against her".

The New York Times - Tech

It was then that she alleges "Nazre started a consistent pattern of retaliation against her" that she says lasted more than five years and included him excluding her from business meetings, removing her from email discussions, failing to share information she needed for her job, blocking her from interviewing new employees, and more.

TechCrunch

Perhaps it never conceived of a high-profile case being filed against it by one of its partners asserting a pattern of harassment and retaliation, which is what it is facing now.

The New York Times

The strikers sought to protest low wages and a lack of benefits, while also challenging what they allege has been a pattern of Walmart's retaliation against workers who try to organize.

Huffington Post

Gayl and some former colleagues say that these charges were trumped up, the culmination of a three-year pattern of retaliation by the Corps' leadership for the embarrassment that he caused and his continued efforts to hold officials accountable for ignoring an urgent request for help by soldiers under fire.

The Washington Post

They said the espionage charges against Mr. Daniloff followed a pattern of arresting Americans in retaliation.

The New York Times

A second official was a police surgeon accused of ignoring her medical problems as part of the pattern of retaliation.

The New York Times

The settlement, which requires the approval of town officials, would resolve allegations that officers engaged in a pattern of excessive use of force and retaliation against those who witnessed police misconduct or criticized officers.

The New York Times

Her story sheds light on three disturbing trends that the Pentagon would rather keep quiet: a culture of drug abuse among service members, the use of ill-prepared young informants to infiltrate that culture, and a pattern of sexual assaults that lead to retaliation against the victim.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing workplace conflicts or legal disputes, use "a pattern of retaliation" to clearly convey recurring retaliatory actions, providing specific examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid labeling single, isolated incidents as "a pattern of retaliation". The phrase implies a series of related actions, so ensure there's evidence of repeated behavior before using it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern of retaliation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in written English, often used to describe recurring behaviors.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pattern of retaliation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe recurring acts of revenge or retribution. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Though relatively infrequent, it finds its place in neutral registers such as news reports, scientific articles and wiki content. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "cycle of revenge" or "series of reprisals", all of which have their own specific nuances. When using "a pattern of retaliation", ensure there is a clear and documented series of related actions, avoiding its misapplication to isolated incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cycle of revenge

Emphasizes the cyclical nature of retaliatory actions.

series of reprisals

Focuses on the sequence of retaliatory acts.

campaign of retribution

Suggests a more organized and deliberate effort to retaliate.

wave of vengeance

Implies a widespread and intense series of retaliatory actions.

sequence of vengeful acts

Highlights the order and vengeful nature of the actions.

retaliatory scheme

Suggests a planned and structured system of retaliation.

consistent reprisal

Stresses the reliability and predictability of the retaliatory acts.

repeated vindictive actions

Highlights the repetitive and spiteful nature of the actions.

string of punitive measures

Focuses on the sequence of penalties inflicted in retaliation.

escalating cycle of aggression

Emphasizes the increasing intensity of the retaliatory actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pattern of retaliation" to describe recurring vengeful actions, as in, "The employee alleged "a pattern of retaliation" following their complaint to HR."

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

Some alternatives include "cycle of revenge", "series of reprisals", or "campaign of retribution", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a pattern of retaliation" from a single retaliatory act?

"A pattern of retaliation" implies multiple, related instances of revenge or retribution, whereas a single retaliatory act is an isolated incident.

Is "a pattern of retaliation" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a pattern of retaliation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in legal, business, or academic contexts where describing recurring actions is necessary.