a persistent trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a persistent trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or ongoing pattern observed over time in various contexts, such as economics, fashion, or social behavior. Example: "The data shows a persistent trend of increasing temperatures over the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There is a persistent trend for more outpatient lumbar discectomies in the United States.

The Spine Journal

The slump in November sea ice follows a persistent trend in the Arctic, where warming temperatures are causing problems for indigenous communities and wildlife including polar bears and walruses.

The Guardian

Anthropologist Dan Grunspan was studying the habits of undergraduates when he noticed a persistent trend: Male students assumed their male classmates knew more about course material than female students — even if the young women earned better grades.

The Washington Post

Part-time work is a persistent trend on Europe's labour markets and reflects the development of deregulation and flexibilisation.

European Journal of Futures Research

The fact that the lines do not show a persistent trend is partly the result of small sample sizes.

IZA Journal of Migration

Talent moving into big cities for employment opportunities has been a classic global phenomenon — especially in times of growth — and a persistent trend in China during recent years.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Celebrating aimless adults who prefer to sponge off the hard work of others is a dispiritingly persistent trend in American entertainment.

The New York Times

The Louisiana case is only the latest example in a horrifying but persistent trend.

The New York Times

In Minnesota, demographers noticed several years ago a modest but persistent trend of people in their 30s and 40s taking up residence in small communities, a counterweight to the high school graduates moving away.

The New York Times

Influenced by the persistent trend of an ever-increasing image data volume and the associated rising workload of radiologists [ 18, 19], there is a mounting call for computer-based support that will assist the reading process [ 20].

European Radiology

"Female cocktail geeks don't feel the need to wear a costume," she said, referring to the persistent trend of male bartenders to engage in speak-easy-era role-playing with vests, trilby hats and waxed mustaches.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a persistent trend", ensure that the data or evidence you present supports the claim of persistence over a reasonable period. Avoid using it for short-term fluctuations or isolated incidents.

Common error

Avoid describing a short-lived or statistically insignificant blip as "a persistent trend". This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Always verify that the trend is well-established before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a persistent trend" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a pattern or direction that continues over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a persistent trend" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a pattern or movement observed consistently over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its suitability ranges from neutral to formal contexts, primarily appearing in science, news and media, and formal business writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the data sufficiently supports the claim of persistence, and avoid applying it to fleeting patterns. Alternatives such as "a consistent pattern" or "an ongoing tendency" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent pattern

Focuses on the regularity and uniformity of the observed behavior.

an ongoing tendency

Highlights the continuous and uninterrupted nature of the inclination.

a continuous development

Emphasizes the unbroken progress and evolution of the trend.

a recurring phenomenon

Stresses the repeated appearance and occurrence of the event.

an established progression

Implies a firmly rooted and steadily advancing series of changes.

a sustained inclination

Focuses on the long-lasting and unwavering nature of the leaning.

a notable recurrence

Highlights the significance and repeated reappearance of the event.

a prevailing movement

Emphasizes the widespread and dominant nature of the shift.

a commonplace occurrence

Stresses the common and unremarkable nature of the event.

a routine development

Highlights the predictable and ordinary nature of the progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a persistent trend" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a persistent trend", ensure you clearly identify what is trending and provide context for its persistence. For example, "There is "a persistent trend" towards increased outpatient lumbar discectomies in the United States."

What are some alternatives to "a persistent trend"?

You can use alternatives like "a consistent pattern", "an ongoing tendency", or "a continuous development" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

How do I avoid misusing the phrase "a persistent trend"?

Be careful not to apply "a persistent trend" to short-term or isolated events. Ensure that the trend has been observed over a significant period and is statistically significant before labeling it as such.

Is "a persistent trend" formal or informal language?

"A persistent trend" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as evidenced by its use in news articles, scientific papers, and business reports. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.