familiar pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "familiar pattern" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a recurring or recognizable sequence of events or behaviors. An example would be: "The team's performance followed a familiar pattern, leading to predictable outcomes." Alternative expressions include "recognizable trend" and "common motif."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This follows a familiar pattern.

The Guardian

It is a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

It's following a familiar pattern.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2010, the familiar pattern was resumed.

Independent

Their dispute had followed a familiar pattern.

The Economist

The results follow a familiar pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

The allegations fit a familiar pattern.

The Economist

The festival has another familiar pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

This has become a familiar pattern.

The Guardian - Opinion

The case fits a familiar pattern.

The New York Times

Nonsense suggesting sense is a familiar pattern.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the phrase after verbs like "follow", "fit", "emerge" or "settle into" to accurately describe the onset of predictability.

Common error

Do not use modifiers like "already" or "previously" in phrases like "already familiar pattern", as the word "familiar" inherently implies that the pattern is known from previous experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "familiar pattern" functions as a noun phrase composed of an adjective and a noun. It typically serves as the direct object of a sentence (e.g., "The results follow a familiar pattern") or as a subject complement (e.g., "This is a familiar pattern"). According to Ludwig AI, it is used to categorize a new event within a known framework of understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "familiar pattern" is a versatile and correct linguistic tool for identifying recurrence. Ludwig AI showcases its dominance in journalistic and analytical writing, where it serves to make complex or chaotic events understandable by linking them to the past. Whether you are describing political scandals, scientific results or social behaviors, this phrase provides a reliable way to indicate predictability and continuity. To vary your vocabulary, consider alternatives like <a href="/s/recognizable+trend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">recognizable trend for data-driven contexts or <a href="/s/habitual+pattern" target="_blank" rel="alternative">habitual pattern for behavioral analysis. Avoid redundant modifiers and ensure the context justifies the claim that the pattern is indeed 'familiar'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

habitual pattern

Suggests a behavior formed by habit rather than a general sequence of events

recognizable trend

Emphasizes the direction of change that can be easily identified

predictable sequence

Focuses on the logical order of steps that one can anticipate

common motif

Often used in artistic or thematic contexts rather than purely analytical ones

well-known cycle

Specifically refers to events that return to a starting point

recurrent theme

Highlights a subject or idea that appears repeatedly in a narrative

typical trajectory

Describes the expected path or development of a situation

established model

Implies a structured framework that has been validated over time

customary behavior

Refers to actions dictated by tradition or social norms

standard procedure

Indicates a formal or prescribed way of doing things

FAQs

How do I use "familiar pattern" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation that repeats itself, such as: "The negotiations followed a <a href="/s/familiar+pattern" target="_blank" rel="alternative">familiar pattern of initial stalemate followed by a late-night compromise."

What is the difference between a "familiar pattern" and a "habitual pattern"?

While a "familiar pattern" can refer to any recurring sequence of events, a <a href="/s/habitual+pattern" target="_blank" rel="alternative">habitual pattern usually refers specifically to the repeated behaviors of an individual or organism.

Can I say "recognizable trend" instead?

Yes, a <a href="/s/recognizable+trend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">recognizable trend is an excellent alternative if you want to emphasize the statistical or developmental direction of the data rather than just the repetition.

Is "familiar pattern" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in formal contexts. However, depending on the specific field, you might prefer <a href="/s/established+model" target="_blank" rel="alternative">established model or <a href="/s/recurrent+phenomenon" target="_blank" rel="alternative">recurrent phenomenon for more technical precision.