a pattern that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a pattern that' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used usually to refer to an instance of behaviour, arrangement, or other regularity that is repeated and discernible. For example: "With every passing year, the world continues to display a pattern that leads to increased globalization and interconnection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was a pattern that replicated itself.

The New York Times

It's a pattern that repeats itself.

The New Yorker

It was a "pattern" that immediately caught the government's attention.

The Guardian

(Imagine a floor tiled in a pattern that never repeats).

The New Yorker

It's a pattern that is replicated more or less worldwide.

The Guardian

Imagine you have a pattern that consists of 12 quavers.

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless, it is a pattern that works on you psychologically.

The New Yorker

This follows a pattern that is loosely present everywhere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's a pattern that looks set to continue.

Independent

It's a pattern that marks most of his movies.

Independent

wave A pattern that repeats itself cyclically in time and space.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pattern that" when you want to highlight a recurring sequence, behavior, or arrangement that is observable and potentially predictable.

Common error

Avoid using "a pattern that" to describe isolated incidents. Ensure there's a genuine recurrence or repetition to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pattern that" primarily functions as a noun phrase followed by a relative clause. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this structure is commonly used to identify and elaborate on a recurring sequence or arrangement observed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pattern that" is a versatile phrase used to identify and describe recurring sequences, behaviors, or arrangements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that there is a genuine recurrence to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like ""a trend that"" or ""a sequence that"" to refine your meaning. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate "a pattern that" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a trend that

Focuses on the idea of a general direction or tendency over time.

a tendency that

Emphasizes a leaning or inclination towards a particular behavior or outcome.

a sequence that

Emphasizes the ordered arrangement of elements.

a habit that

Highlights a repeated behavior done almost automatically.

a model that

Highlights a simplified representation used for understanding or prediction.

a cycle that

Emphasizes a recurring sequence of events or phenomena.

a scheme that

Suggests a systematic plan or arrangement.

a design that

Focuses on the planned arrangement of elements for a specific purpose.

a configuration that

Refers to the specific arrangement of parts or elements.

a structure that

Highlights the organization or framework of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a pattern that" to describe a recurring sequence, behavior, or arrangement. For example, "His behavior demonstrates "a pattern that" suggests avoidance."

What are some alternatives to "a pattern that"?

You can use alternatives like "a trend that", "a sequence that", or "a model that" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a pattern that" in formal writing?

Yes, "a pattern that" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in various contexts.

What's the difference between "a pattern that" and "a tendency that"?

"A pattern that" emphasizes a recurring sequence, while "a tendency that" highlights an inclination or leaning toward something. They both indicate a common occurence but the second indicates a propensity to behave or think in a specific way.