falling into the pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling into the pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something begins to conform to a specific trend or behavior. Example: "After several weeks of observation, it became clear that the team was falling into the pattern of late submissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If the new Star Wars hopes to replicate such brilliance, it must avoid falling into the pattern Abrams' other space saga appears to be slipping further and further into.

The Guardian - Film

With him, she found she wasn't falling into the pattern of imagining taking "qualities from this person and qualities from that person and jamming them into one," Mr. Potato Head style, she said.

The New York Times

Slashing prices is a tactic often employed by small businesses trying to get pricing right and though it can increase sales and help cashflow in the short-term, marketing consultant Claire Boyles cautions against falling into the pattern of offering discounts.

The Guardian

The problem is that as soon as we are flush with cash, most of us tend to increase our spending accordingly, falling into the pattern of "lifestyle creep".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That fell into the pattern of recent weeks.

The New York Times

I don't want to fall into the pattern".

The New York Times - Sports

But -- do you think this book falls into the pattern of creating imaginary women?

The Guardian - Books

"But once it fell into the pattern it's in, it's stayed".

The New York Times

Analysts said the day fell into the pattern of the last several months, in which the market weathered the turbulence of uncertainty over the debt crisis.

The New York Times

No. 6 Marquette (12 to 1) The Golden Eagles seem to have fallen into the pattern of beating the teams they are supposed to beat and losing to top-caliber teams.

The New York Times

Even her legal representation fell into the pattern as her stock trade came under investigation: she used lawyers from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the firm that represented her company, to accompany her to meetings with investigators.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in formal writing; consider more precise alternatives if the context demands specificity.

Common error

Avoid using "falling into the pattern" when describing unique or one-time events. The phrase is best suited for recurring situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling into the pattern" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the process of adopting or conforming to an established behavior or trend. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, from business to personal habits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "falling into the pattern" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the adoption of a specific behavior or trend. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and usability across various contexts. While the phrase is mostly seen in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business, it is not typically used in encyclopedias or wikis. As such, writers should be mindful of their writing context and choose more precise alternatives when a more formal register is required. Consider alternatives such as "conforming to a trend" or "adopting a habit" to align more accurately with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conforming to a trend

Emphasizes adherence to a prevailing trend, differing by focusing on active conformity.

developing a tendency

Highlights the emergence of a particular tendency, differing by focusing on the gradual development.

following a routine

Focuses on adhering to an established routine, differing by emphasizing the structured aspect of the behavior.

settling into a system

Indicates becoming established within a defined system, differing by emphasizing the organized structure.

adopting a habit

Highlights the development of a personal habit, differing by specifying a personal routine.

succumbing to a behavior

Indicates a yielding to a specific behavior, differing by suggesting a lack of resistance.

gravitating towards a practice

Suggests a natural inclination toward a practice, differing by implying a preference or attraction.

getting into a groove

Implies finding a comfortable and efficient rhythm, differing by emphasizing ease and comfort.

becoming accustomed to a mode

Focuses on getting used to a specific mode of operation, differing by highlighting familiarization.

degenerating into a state

Suggests a decline into an undesirable state, differing by adding a negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "falling into the pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "falling into the pattern" to describe a recurring behavior or trend, such as, "The team was "falling into the pattern" of late submissions."

What are some alternatives to "falling into the pattern"?

Alternatives include "conforming to a trend", "adopting a habit", or "following a routine", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "falling into the pattern" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "falling into the pattern" might be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more precise alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "falling into the pattern" and "conforming to the trend"?

"Falling into the pattern" suggests a passive adoption of a behavior, while "conforming to a trend" implies a more active alignment with current trends.