an pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an pattern" is not correct in written English.
The correct article to use before "pattern" is "a" because "pattern" begins with a consonant sound. Example: "I found a pattern in the data that suggests a correlation."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The application of ABA at the veraison follows an pattern of ripening dentical to that observed for the application of the phytohormone at fruit set.

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A pattern emerged.

The New Yorker

"This is a pattern.

The New York Times

That fits a pattern.

The Economist

It's a pattern.

The New Yorker

Some saw a pattern.

The New York Times

Notice a pattern?

The New York Times

A pattern developed.

Independent

This fits a pattern.

The Economist

It set a pattern.

The Economist

A pattern emerges.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the article "a" before the noun "pattern" because it begins with a consonant sound. For example, say "a pattern emerged" instead of "an pattern emerged".

Common error

Avoid using "an" before nouns that start with a consonant sound; "an" is reserved for words starting with a vowel sound. Saying "an pattern" is incorrect; always use "a pattern".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an pattern" is intended to function as a noun phrase, typically used to identify a recurring form or sequence. However, the incorrect article usage disrupts its grammatical correctness. Ludwig AI identifies this as an error.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an pattern" is grammatically incorrect due to the misuse of the article "an" before a word that begins with a consonant sound. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "a pattern". While there are limited examples of the incorrect phrase in the provided data, it's important to recognize and avoid this error. Always use "a" before words starting with a consonant sound and "an" before vowel sounds. The authoritative sources cited, such as The New York Times and The Economist, generally avoid this error, emphasizing the importance of grammatical accuracy in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pattern

Corrects the grammatical error by using the correct article 'a' before the noun 'pattern'.

a design

Replaces 'pattern' with a synonym that refers to an arrangement or structure, maintaining the concept of order.

a model

Uses 'model' to suggest a structure or system that is followed, conveying a similar sense of repetition or predictability.

a trend

Emphasizes the directional aspect of the pattern, focusing on how something changes over time.

a tendency

Highlights the inclination or propensity for something to occur in a certain way.

a sequence

Focuses on the order in which events or elements occur, underscoring the patterned nature of the arrangement.

a regularity

Indicates a consistent or predictable occurrence, stressing the reliability of the pattern.

a cycle

Emphasizes a recurring series of events or phenomena, suggesting a return to the starting point.

a rhythm

Draws attention to the repetitive or patterned beat or flow.

a common thread

Highlights a recurring element or theme that connects different aspects or instances.

FAQs

Why is "an pattern" grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "an pattern" is incorrect because the word "pattern" begins with a consonant sound. In English, we use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds. Therefore, the correct phrase is "a pattern".

What are some alternatives to describing something as "an pattern"?

Since the phrase is grammatically incorrect, you should use alternatives like "a pattern", "a trend", or "a model" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

In what contexts might I want to describe something as a pattern?

You might want to describe something as "a pattern" in contexts where you observe a recurring sequence of events, behaviors, designs, or other phenomena. This could be in data analysis, behavioral studies, or even artistic design.

What's the difference between "a pattern" and "a trend"?

"A pattern" refers to any recurring or consistent arrangement, while "a trend" specifically indicates a general direction in which something is changing or developing. A trend is a type of pattern that shows movement over time.