an emerging pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an emerging pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing trends, developments, or changes that are becoming noticeable over time. Example: "In recent months, there has been an emerging pattern of increased online shopping among consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The child care imbroglio was part of an emerging pattern.

The New York Times

In what seems like an emerging pattern lately, it'll open in China belatedly mid-week.

The Guardian - Film

But the meeting is still important, because it may be part of an emerging pattern.

The Economist

Israeli officials expressed growing concern about what appeared to be an emerging pattern of nightly gunfire from Palestinian areas toward Israeli settlements and other areas.

The New York Times

Mr. Lazio in fact attributed news reports on the investments in part to what he called an emerging pattern of negative campaigning by Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

And in the context of Saudi-Iranian relations, Nimr's execution looks less like a miscalculation than part of an emerging pattern.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are particularly concerned by an emerging pattern of candidates for office – as well as other public figures – seeming to endorse or encourage violence against Muslims.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UN body has said that it "considers that there is an emerging pattern involving the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of dual nationals in Iran".

The Guardian

"There's an emerging pattern of behavior that is unsettling to China's neighbors," a senior administration official said on Wednesday, previewing Mr. Biden's message.

The New York Times

In an emerging pattern, we seem to respond obediently to other people telling us to be outraged by immediately becoming outraged, before murmuring "and, er, pass it on".

Independent

But beyond the daily bouts of stone throwing, Israeli officials are increasingly concerned about what appears to be an emerging pattern of nightly gunfire from Palestinian areas toward Israeli settlements and other areas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an emerging pattern" when you want to highlight a trend or development that is becoming noticeable but is not yet fully established. It's useful for pointing out early signs of change.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of "an emerging pattern" based on limited evidence. Ensure you have sufficient data to support the claim that a real pattern is forming, rather than just isolated incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an emerging pattern" functions as a noun phrase, where "emerging" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "pattern". Ludwig AI shows its usage in a multitude of contexts to describe the formation of a trend.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an emerging pattern" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote a trend or development that is starting to become noticeable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of the need for supporting evidence and avoid overstating the significance of early data. Consider alternatives such as "a developing trend" or "a growing tendency" to better suit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a developing trend

Focuses on the 'development' aspect, highlighting the process rather than the current state.

a growing tendency

Emphasizes the increasing frequency of a particular behavior or occurrence.

a nascent trend

Implies the trend is in its early stages and just beginning to develop.

a rising pattern

Highlights the upward direction or increase in the observed behavior.

a noticeable trend

Stresses that the trend has become significant enough to be easily observed.

a visible development

Focuses on the observable changes happening over time.

a forming pattern

Implies the pattern is still in the process of taking shape.

a discernible tendency

Suggests the tendency can be recognized or perceived, even if not fully developed.

a budding trend

Suggests the trend is new and promising, like a bud on a plant.

a brewing trend

Suggests a trend is gradually gathering momentum and is about to become significant.

FAQs

How can I use "an emerging pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "an emerging pattern" to describe a trend or development that is becoming noticeable. For example, "There's "an emerging pattern" of companies adopting remote work policies."

What are some alternatives to "an emerging pattern"?

Some alternatives include "a developing trend", "a growing tendency", or "a nascent trend". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a emerging pattern' instead of "an emerging pattern"?

No, it is incorrect. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound. "Emerging" starts with a vowel sound, so the correct phrasing is "an emerging pattern".

How can I identify if something is truly "an emerging pattern" or just a coincidence?

To determine if something is truly "an emerging pattern", look for consistent repetition, supporting evidence from multiple sources, and a logical explanation for the observed trend. Be wary of drawing conclusions from isolated incidents.