certain patterns of

USAGE SUMMARY

"certain patterns of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used any time you need to refer to a set of similar actions or items that have a tendency to occur in a particular order. For example: "Certain patterns of behavior can be difficult to break free from once they are established."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Certain patterns of answers, however, can and do disqualify them.

The Guardian

Plant communities colonize newly exposed surfaces and follow certain patterns of succession.

The New York Times

Studies have also found that certain patterns of suicide among civilians seem intensified within the military.

The New York Times

Figuring out what each gene does will take many years, but certain patterns of activity are evident.

The New York Times - Science

Orchestras -- even temporary orchestras -- have a way of falling into certain patterns of sound, and here was the opportunity to disrupt those patterns more assertively.

The New York Times - Arts

Artists have been drawn more than ever before into the university ethos, into certain patterns of activity and assessment that are associated with university education.

The Guardian

But even now we can name certain patterns of mind that identify those who hate us, that make their hatred possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Certain patterns of missing energy, for example, would suggest the existence of extra dimensions, as would the creation of mini black holes.

The New Yorker

Here, despite differences in agriculture due to different climates and types of soil, certain patterns of development occurred within the peninsula.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The extensive studies of European and American folk art over the past century have revealed certain patterns of folk art development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And from these traits have sprung certain patterns of thinking that serve the vital purpose of preventing people from perceiving the truth, when the truth will discourage them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "certain patterns of" when you want to indicate that there are identifiable and recurring sequences or arrangements in a set of data, behaviors, or events.

Common error

Avoid using "certain patterns of" when the patterns are not clearly defined or consistently observed. Be specific about the patterns you are describing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain patterns of" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that the following noun refers to particular, identifiable arrangements or sequences. It is used to denote predictability or recurrence in a set of observations, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "certain patterns of" is a versatile phrase used to denote specific, identifiable arrangements or sequences, often highlighting regularity or predictability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "specific types of" or "particular kinds of" exist, "certain patterns of" uniquely emphasizes recurring sequences. When using this phrase, ensure that the patterns are clearly defined to avoid overgeneralization and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific sequences of

Focuses directly on the order and arrangement of elements.

recurrent sequences of

Stresses the repetitive nature of the order.

specific types of

Emphasizes categorization rather than a sequence or arrangement.

typical arrangements of

Focuses on the usual or standard order of elements.

defined sets of

Focuses on pre-established or well-known groupings.

particular kinds of

Highlights distinctiveness rather than a repetitive sequence.

characteristic styles of

Emphasizes the typical or recognizable manner in which something is done.

identifiable trends in

Highlights observable tendencies or directions in data or behavior.

distinctive forms of

Highlights uniqueness rather than recurrence.

predictable behaviors in

Emphasizes the expected or foreseeable actions within a system.

FAQs

How can I use "certain patterns of" in a sentence?

Use "certain patterns of" to refer to identifiable sequences or arrangements. For example, "Scientists have observed "certain patterns of" brain activity associated with lying."

What are some alternatives to "certain patterns of"?

You can use alternatives like "specific types of", "particular kinds of", or "specific sequences of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "certain patterns of behavior" or "specific behaviors"?

"Certain patterns of behavior" implies a recurring or predictable sequence, while "specific behaviors" simply refers to particular actions without necessarily implying repetition or order.

When is it appropriate to use "identifiable trends in" instead of "certain patterns of"?

Use "identifiable trends in" when you want to emphasize the direction or tendency of something over time, rather than just a recurring sequence.