a troubling pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubling pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recurring issue or trend that causes concern or distress. Example: "The recent data reveals a troubling pattern of increased absenteeism among employees, which needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Health

Politics

Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

This is a troubling pattern and begs a thorough investigation".

The New York Times

That continued a troubling pattern for the Mets against Ortiz.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. DiNapoli said his office had discovered "a troubling pattern of abuse" by the assemblyman.

The New York Times

"The story speaks for itself and is part of a troubling pattern," she said.

The New York Times

But the battery of dismal statistics suggests, at the very least, a troubling pattern.

The New York Times

Bush campaign officials said the advertisements were part of a "troubling pattern" of distortion by Vice President Al Gore.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Beyond the fertile river lands, however, a more troubling pattern is emerging.

The New York Times

It seems to me teenage anecdotes and invasions of privacy should only be used if they confirm a long troubling pattern of behavior, not for partisan sniping.

The New York Times

"This is part of a very troubling pattern from Carl McCall, that he does one thing while in the office and he says another thing on the campaign trail," said Michael McKeon, spokesman for the Pataki campaign.

The New York Times

Indeed, some see such lawsuits as part of a more troubling pattern in which Mr. Berlusconi tries to intimidate the press — even as he claims that the same news media organizations he largely controls are out to get him.

The New York Times

"It's a very troubling pattern that more money is going underground and being funneled through organizations that keep the sources of funding secret," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md ., the champion of the D-Md .se Acthen the House of Representatives.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a troubling pattern", ensure that you provide specific examples or data points to support your claim. This adds credibility to your analysis and helps the reader understand the nature of the pattern.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubling pattern" without providing concrete evidence. Vague statements can weaken your argument and make your analysis less persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubling pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a recurring sequence or arrangement that causes concern. Examples show it describing issues across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a troubling pattern" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a recurring sequence of concerning events. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions primarily to highlight and express worry about a consistent problem across various domains, particularly in news and media. To use this phrase effectively, provide specific examples to support your claim and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives include "a worrying trend", "a concerning development", and "a disturbing tendency", each with subtle differences in emphasis. Understanding its usage and context is key to impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying trend

Emphasizes the trend aspect and feeling of worry, differing slightly in emotional tone.

a concerning development

Focuses on the idea of unfolding events that are causing concern.

a disturbing tendency

Highlights the inclination towards something unpleasant or problematic.

an alarming sequence of events

Specifically pinpoints a chain of occurrences raising alarm.

a regrettable situation

Highlights the undesirable condition, implying sorrow or disappointment.

a worrying state of affairs

Describes a particular condition that is causing concern.

a problematic series

Focuses on a group of related things or events that present difficulties.

a disquieting development

Emphasizes the unsettling or anxiety-provoking nature of the progression.

a regrettable course of action

Highlights the lamentable progression of steps or decisions.

a dismal state of affairs

Focuses on the depressing or hopeless condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a troubling pattern" to describe a recurring set of concerning events or data. For example: "The study revealed "a troubling pattern" of discrimination in hiring practices." (replace discrimination with what you wish).

What are some alternatives to "a troubling pattern"?

Alternatives include "a worrying trend", "a concerning development", or "a disturbing tendency". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a troubling pattern" or "a troublesome pattern"?

"Troubling" is generally preferred over "troublesome" when describing a pattern, as it implies a deeper level of concern. "Troublesome" often refers to something that is merely inconvenient or annoying.

What kind of things can "a troubling pattern" describe?

"A troubling pattern" can describe various phenomena, such as "economic downturn", "increase in crime", "health issues", or "declining academic performance". It's used to highlight a sequence of events that are worrisome and require attention.