as the pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the pattern" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to illustrate a comparison between two elements, often through the use of examples. For example, "The new school policy followed the same pattern as the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We see the features persist even as the pattern of sunspots comes and goes".

The New York Times - Science

Conservationists became disturbed as the pattern of spraying huge areas began to establish itself.

The New Yorker

Joe's Garden came out at roughly the same time as The Pattern On The Carpet.

Independent

Something of this quality resurfaced in American art of the late 1970s and early '80s in what came to be known as the Pattern and Decoration movement.

The New York Times

The Stoke City playmaker was a fraction away from finding the top corner within seconds of the restart as the pattern of the play-off remained unchanged.

The Guardian - Sport

Fitzgerald's talent, wrote his rival Hemingway, "was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings.

The Guardian - Books

With him would be an intelligence officer to record any minor variations in what the army describes as "the pattern of life".

The Guardian

The older man, however, could also write sentences like this: "His talent was as natural as the pattern that was made by the dust on a butterfly's wings.

The Guardian - Books

Although some people lose their jobs as the pattern of trade changes, the winners gain enough to compensate the losers and still have some left over for themselves.

The New Yorker

In those early years of the 530s, Justinian could indeed pose as the pattern of a Roman and Christian emperor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The screen shows you the path you are on, as well as the pattern you're going to cut".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the pattern", ensure the comparison being made is clear and that the pattern itself has been previously defined or is easily understood within the context. It works best when illustrating how something aligns with or deviates from an expected sequence or arrangement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something occurs "as the pattern" suggests, that the pattern is the direct cause. Correlation doesn't equal causation; other factors might be at play influencing the outcome independently of the observed pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the pattern" functions as a conjunctive phrase, linking a situation or outcome to an existing or predictable pattern. It connects events, results, or behaviors to a known or expected sequence, arrangement, or model. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the pattern" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to connect events or outcomes to pre-existing models or sequences. It’s grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig confirms that "as the pattern" is correct. When using "as the pattern", ensure clarity in the comparison and avoid assuming causation solely based on correlation. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it leans towards formality depending on the source. Alternatives like "following the pattern" or "consistent with the pattern" can be used for slight variations in tone. Mastering its use enhances explanatory writing and provides context to complex scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the pattern

This option simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning of adhering to an existing pattern.

consistent with the pattern

This variation highlights the aspect of maintaining consistency with a pre-existing pattern.

in accordance with the pattern

This alternative adds a more formal tone and emphasizes adherence to the existing pattern.

in line with the pattern

This option suggests alignment or agreement with an established pattern.

matching the pattern

This variation emphasizes a high grade of similarity in something with the original pattern.

mirroring the pattern

This alternative emphasizes a reflection or close resemblance to the original pattern.

like the pattern

This alternative is more direct and informal while implying a comparison to the existing pattern.

replicating the pattern

This implies a duplication or reproduction of the existing pattern.

along the lines of the pattern

This phrase indicates a similarity and that something happens in a like manner with the original pattern.

as the trend shows

This phrase focuses on the direction or tendency shown by the data or events.

FAQs

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

You can use "as the pattern" to show how something aligns with or deviates from a previously established sequence. For example, "The company's profits increased this quarter, as the pattern of growth predicted."

What are some alternatives to "as the pattern"?

Alternatives include "following the pattern", "in accordance with the pattern", or "consistent with the pattern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "as the pattern" or "following the pattern"?

Both "as the pattern" and "following the pattern" are correct, but "following the pattern" is a bit more straightforward and less formal. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

How does "as the pattern" differ from "like the pattern"?

"As the pattern" usually implies a cause-and-effect relationship or a direct consequence, while "like the pattern" simply indicates a similarity or resemblance. "The results were obtained "as the pattern" predicted" suggests the pattern influenced the results, whereas "the design is "like the pattern" on the wallpaper" means they share a visual similarity.