as a pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a model or example that serves as a standard or reference for comparison or replication. Example: "The study identified several behaviors as a pattern that could predict future outcomes in similar situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They need to see it as a pattern.

The Guardian - Business

Seymour serves out his dreary apprenticeship as a pattern draughtsman.

The Guardian - Books

Well, that, as a pattern, looks like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"As a pattern in history, it's well documented".

The New York Times - Magazine

The resulting method is represented as a pattern system.

Journal of Systems and Software

That came out as a pattern on knitwear.

The New York Times

Use this piece as a pattern to trace the curve on another sheet of plywood.

The New York Times

But he cautioned against interpreting Castor's legal moves as a pattern of bias against rape victims.

The Guardian

But to see it as a pattern you needed to encounter it in several contexts.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It functions there as a pattern-recognition receptor for blood-borne antigens.

Nature

You recognize a rhinoceros in its totality as a pattern.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a pattern" to describe behavior, clarify whether the pattern is intentional or unintentional. This helps avoid misinterpretations about the actor's motivations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something occurs "as a pattern", it necessarily implies a cause-and-effect relationship. Ensure that other evidence supports any causal claims you make.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a pattern" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. According to Ludwig AI, it signifies a recurring sequence of events or features, thus influencing how the modified element is perceived or interpreted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a pattern" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote a recurring sequence or identifiable trend across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Its register is generally neutral, but it tends to lean towards more formal settings such as academic, scientific, and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are clearly defining the specific elements that constitute the pattern and avoid automatically attributing causation simply based on observed correlation. Alternatives such as ""as a recurring theme"" or "in a patterned way" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a representative example

Points to something serving as a typical or illustrative instance.

as a recurring theme

Highlights the repetition of a particular idea or element.

as a predictable sequence

Implies a series of events that unfold in an anticipated order.

as a common thread

Suggests a unifying element that connects various instances.

in a patterned way

Focuses on the manner in which something occurs, emphasizing the presence of a discernible structure.

in a structured manner

Highlights the organized and systematic nature of something.

in a regular fashion

Indicates consistent and predictable occurrences.

in the manner of a pattern

Emphasizes similarity of the action with characteristics of a pattern

like a blueprint

Conveys the idea of a detailed design serving as a guide.

following a template

Suggests adherence to a pre-defined model or structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a pattern" to describe a recurring set of behaviors, events, or designs. For example, "The repeated absences were viewed "as a pattern" of disengagement."

What's a good alternative to "as a pattern"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as a recurring theme", "as a trend", or "as a representative example".

How does "as a pattern" differ from "as an exception"?

"As a pattern" indicates something that happens repeatedly or regularly, while "as an exception" denotes something that deviates from the norm or usual course of events.

Is it always negative to describe something "as a pattern"?

Not necessarily. Whether it's positive, negative, or neutral depends on the specific context and what the pattern consists of. It can be neutral, such as describing a design motif, or positive, like showing "as a pattern" of improvement.