common pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'common pattern' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is seen, heard, or experienced often. For example, "The teacher noticed that the student often followed a common pattern when taking a test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a common pattern.

The New York Times

Copulation follows a common pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet a common pattern persists.

The Guardian - Books

That's a common pattern around Europe.

The Economist

And that's a very common pattern".

The Guardian

Many parents say that is a common pattern.

The New York Times

The most common pattern is the ulnar loop.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Buybacks represent an increasingly common pattern among American corporations.

The New York Times

Is there a common pattern underlying these five stories?

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the more common pattern is of a uniform mediocrity.

The Economist

It's a common pattern involving cruelty to animals: grotesque crime, not-quite-adequate punishment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing statistical or research findings, use "common pattern" to indicate a recurring observation or trend in the data. This adds clarity and emphasizes the significance of the finding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because you've identified a "common pattern" that one variable directly causes another. Always investigate underlying factors and potential confounding variables before drawing causal conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common pattern" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, denoting a recurring or frequent arrangement, sequence, or characteristic. The Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and high frequency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "common pattern" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe recurring trends or features across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, primarily in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. Recognizing the potential for misinterpreting correlation as causation, it's crucial to exercise caution when drawing conclusions from observed patterns. By understanding the nuances of its usage and exploring related phrases, writers can effectively communicate their observations and insights with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frequent occurrence

Replaces "pattern" with a more general term for something happening often.

typical example

Emphasizes the representativeness of the pattern.

general trend

Focuses on the direction or tendency implied by the pattern.

recurring motif

Highlights the repetitive nature of the pattern, particularly in creative contexts.

established norm

Indicates that the pattern is widely accepted or followed.

prevailing tendency

Similar to "general trend", but with a stronger emphasis on the dominance of the pattern.

widespread practice

Highlights that something is commonly done or implemented.

familiar situation

Focuses on the recognizable and well-known nature of the scenario.

standard procedure

Suggests a formal or official pattern of action.

usual course of events

Highlights the predictability and regularity of the pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "common pattern" to describe recurring trends, behaviors, or features observed across multiple instances. For example, "Researchers identified a "common pattern" in consumer behavior during economic downturns."

What are some alternatives to "common pattern"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "general trend", "typical example", or "frequent occurrence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "common pattern" in formal writing?

Yes, "common pattern" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and descriptive phrase suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "common pattern" and "usual pattern"?

"Common pattern" implies that something occurs frequently across different instances or situations, while "usual pattern" suggests that something is typical or expected in a specific context. The distinction lies in the scope of the observation.