downward pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"downward pattern" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a trend of decreasing numbers or values over time. For example, "The stock market has seen a downward pattern this month, with prices dropping steadily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Their voices sounded hoarse and buzzy in a repetitive downward pattern for nearly half an hour.

The Guardian

If Boris's line on bus crime isn't inviting Londoners to think that the three-year downward pattern is his personal triumph then I'm Stan Butler's ghost.

The Guardian

It seems to still be in its downward pattern of lower highs and lower lows.

Forbes

"Technicians and associate professionals" were more common in "downward pattern" (11.1%) and less common in "upward career" (12.0%).

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Following Wall Street's downward pattern, Asian stocks mostly edged down on Wednesday with Australian's S&P/ASX 200 falling 0.6%, or 22.60 points, to 3,867.80.

Forbes

But Todd thinks the stock will climb back into the $30s by December moving above its July high of $31.75, breaking out of its current pattern and rising to $50. Todd recommends putting in a stop loss around $19. "If RadioShack goes back down to there, then the stock will have fallen back below its previous low and back into its downward pattern".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They found five patterns, such as "upward mobility patterns", "stable patterns", "downward mobility patterns", "fluctuating patterns" and "others".

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

He compares another passage, in which upward and downward patterns grow more and more compressed, to a trash compactor.

The New Yorker

In the case of weekend (Fig. 9b), the plot seemingly indicates upward and downward patterns that, however, are not statistically significant.

Journal of Modern Transportation

But that does not mean their makers have finally found a way to shake the traditional downward price pattern.

The New York Times

But the music of the finale, marked "Agitato," is riveting, especially in a quiet C-minor episode interwoven with a downward lamenting pattern.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data, use "downward pattern" to clearly indicate a trend where values decrease over time. Ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is decreasing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "downward pattern" in one variable directly causes a change in another without sufficient evidence. Correlation does not equal causation, so further investigation is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward pattern" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a trend or sequence exhibiting a declining characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid, further confirming its conventional usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downward pattern" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe declining trends across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is especially frequent in contexts such as news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, ensure a clear reference point for what is decreasing and avoid assuming causation without evidence. While alternatives such as "declining trend" or "negative trend" exist, "downward pattern" provides a direct and concise way to convey a specific type of trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining trend

Focuses on the trend aspect, emphasizing the direction of change.

decreasing trend

Similar to declining trend, but highlights the continuous reduction.

negative trend

Emphasizes the adverse nature of the trend.

falling trend

Highlights the action of falling or decreasing.

downward spiral

Implies a continuous and worsening decline.

receding pattern

Suggests a gradual withdrawal or decrease.

descending order

Focuses on the arrangement from highest to lowest.

declining trajectory

Describes the path of decline.

reducing trend

Focuses on the act of reducing or diminishing.

diminishing trend

Emphasizes the gradual decrease in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward pattern" to describe trends like, "The company's profits showed a "downward pattern" over the last quarter" or "The crime rate has followed a "downward pattern" since the new policies were implemented."

What are some alternatives to "downward pattern"?

Alternatives include "declining trend", "decreasing trend", or "negative trend". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "downward pattern" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe a declining trend and is commonly used in academic, business, and news contexts.

What does a "downward spiral" mean compared to a "downward pattern"?

While a "downward pattern" indicates a general decline, a "downward spiral" suggests a self-reinforcing and worsening decline, often implying a loss of control.