a sustained pattern of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sustained pattern of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or ongoing trend or behavior over a period of time. Example: "The study revealed a sustained pattern of improvement in the students' test scores throughout the academic year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Together, these documents reveal a sustained pattern of collusion between the fossil fuel industry and the Republican attorneys general on climate change obstructionism.

The Guardian

Though he has shown himself to be a wonderful and surprising actor onstage ("Shining City") and television ("Huff," "The West Wing"), Mr. Platt never finds a sustained pattern of idiosyncrasies that would let him connect with Nathan (and the audience).

The New York Times

In areas where there is a sustained pattern of human rights abuses, MNCs have a responsibility of taking action to address those issues.

Stanford University

Gunn describes this as a sustained pattern of parenting.

The New Yorker

The economy contracted slightly in the first quarter of 1993 before returning to a sustained pattern of healthy growth.

The New York Times

Substance abuse implies a sustained pattern of use resulting in impairment of the person's social or occupational functioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A new domestic violence law comes into effect on 29 December, which recognises for the first time that abuse is a complex and sustained pattern of behaviour intended to create fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to international guidelines, the following physiological conditions are required for discharge: maintenance of body heat at room temperature, coordinated sucking, swallowing and breathing while feeding; sustained pattern of weight gain; stability of cardiorespiratory function (no episodes of apnoea/bradycardia for 2 5 days, free of supplemental oxygen support).

BMJ Open

Physiological conditions required for discharge included: maintenance of body heat at room temperature, coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing while feeding; sustained pattern of weight gain; and stability of cardiorespiratory function (no episodes of apnea/bradycardia for 2-5 days, free of supplemental oxygen support) [ 17].

BMC Pediatrics

Focusing on sequence-specific DNA-binding factors, a filtered list of 42 distinct genes emerged which contains a number of relevant candidates with sustained patterns of gene expression over an 8 h period (thus supporting their putative involvement in the AIR).

Briefings in Functional Genomics

The accumulating evidence for ultradian oscillators in various biological contexts, as highlighted above, suggests a functional correlation between dynamic (oscillatory versus sustained) patterns of protein expression/activity and cellular responses.

Development (Cambridge)

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sustained pattern of", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific behavior, trend, or activity that is being described. Providing concrete examples can strengthen the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a sustained pattern of" without providing sufficient evidence or context. Vague assertions can weaken your argument and reduce credibility. Always support your claims with specific examples or data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sustained pattern of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a consistent and ongoing sequence of events, behaviors, or trends. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

50%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sustained pattern of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe ongoing trends or behaviors. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples from authoritative sources. It is versatile for formal and neutral contexts, making it suitable for academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific context and examples to strengthen your argument. Common alternatives include phrases like "a continuous series of" or "a persistent trend of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuous series of

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the events or actions.

a persistent trend of

Highlights the enduring quality and direction of the observed behavior.

a prolonged history of

Focuses on the extensive duration and past occurrences.

an established habit of

Implies a deeply ingrained and regular behavior.

a repeated sequence of

Stresses the recurring nature and order of events.

a consistent record of

Highlights the uniformity and documentation of past actions.

a regular cycle of

Emphasizes the cyclical and predictable nature of the phenomenon.

a predictable course of

Focuses on the anticipated and expected progression of events.

an unremitting flow of

Highlights the relentless and continuous nature.

a chronic display of

Implies a long-lasting and habitual demonstration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sustained pattern of" to describe ongoing trends or behaviors. For instance, "The company demonstrated "a sustained pattern of" growth over the past five years".

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

Alternatives include "a continuous series of", "a persistent trend of", or "a prolonged history of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a sustained pattern of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sustained pattern of" is suitable for formal writing. Ludwig confirms this with examples from reputable sources such as news outlets and academic publications.

What's the difference between "a sustained pattern of" and "a sporadic pattern of"?

"A sustained pattern of" indicates a consistent and ongoing trend, while "a sporadic pattern of" suggests irregular or intermittent occurrences.