an ongoing pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous or repeated occurrence of a specific behavior, trend, or situation. Example: "The data shows an ongoing pattern of increased sales during the holiday season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Ken Frydman, a Daily News spokesman, said "there's been an ongoing pattern where they didn't credit stories".

The New York Times

"His failure to disclose the Battista mortgage in these documents is consistent with an ongoing pattern of shirking his obligation to repay her," the decision said.

The New York Times

Ms Cáceres's murder fits an ongoing pattern of violence against organizers, activists, and civilians since the 2009 coup deposed Honduras' democratically elected government.

The Guardian - Opinion

This could be dismissed as a random instance of a politician speaking out of turn were it not part of an ongoing pattern.

The Washington Post

The calls are made in the most serious cases, such as an arrest or hospitalization, or if a student shows an ongoing pattern of intoxication.

The Washington Post

If this turns out to be an ongoing pattern at Fox, it could help explain why Trump continues to do so well with conservatives who mainly get their news from the conservative news outlet.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In late 2016, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $35 million to more than 500 black advisors and trainees who alleged the firm was engaged in an "ongoing nationwide pattern and practice of race discrimination". Also, in 2013, Merrill Lynch settled for $160 million with African American financial advisors.

Forbes

"material thing," into a basic ontological category without asking whether it is possible that what we common-sensically call a 'thing' might not also ontologically be interpreted in terms of a category from process metaphysics (e.g., as a bundle of activities or, in a Whiteheadian fashion, as ongoing pattern of events).

SEP

And if so, does global RNFL reduction really exist in all MS patients, and follow a slowly but steadily ongoing pattern?

Plosone

(The New York Times took a long look at Toyota's ongoing pattern of slow responses to safety/quality issues, available here).

Huffington Post

But most scientists researching gay evolution are interested in an ongoing, internal pattern of desire rather than whether people identify as gay or straight or how often people have gay sex.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing pattern", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being repeated or continued. Provide specific examples to support the claim of a pattern.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing pattern" without providing sufficient evidence or examples. Vague statements can weaken your argument and leave the reader unconvinced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing pattern" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a recurring or continuous sequence of events or behaviors. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this use, affirming its grammatical role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ongoing pattern" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a recurring or continuous trend. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide concrete examples when using it to avoid overgeneralization. Related alternatives include "a continuous trend" and "a recurring theme", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuous trend

Focuses on the trend aspect, highlighting the direction and movement over time, less emphasis on repetition.

a consistent behavior

Highlights the uniformity and predictability of the actions or conduct.

a recurring theme

Implies a thematic repetition, suitable when the pattern is conceptual or abstract.

an established practice

Highlights the customary nature of the pattern, suggesting it is a norm or standard.

a continuing cycle

Highlights the cyclical nature of the pattern, implying repetition through phases.

a persistent habit

Emphasizes the habitual aspect, suggesting it is a repeated behavior, often individual.

a repeated occurrence

Stresses the fact that something is happening again and again.

a regular event

Focuses on the aspect of the pattern involving events and their periodicity.

a predictable sequence

Emphasizes the order and anticipation of what comes next in the pattern.

a systematic approach

Suggests a structured and methodical pattern, often in processes or methods.

FAQs

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

You can use "an ongoing pattern" to describe a recurring trend or behavior. For example, "The study revealed "an ongoing pattern" of late submissions among students".

What can I say instead of "an ongoing pattern"?

You can use alternatives like "a continuous trend", "a recurring theme", or "an established practice" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "ongoing pattern"?

While "pattern" inherently suggests repetition, "ongoing" emphasizes the continuation or persistence of the pattern over time, adding a nuance of duration.

What is the difference between "an ongoing pattern" and "an occasional occurrence"?

"An ongoing pattern" implies regularity and repetition, while "an occasional occurrence" suggests something happens infrequently and without a predictable pattern.