fell into the pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"fell into the pattern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to conform to a certain regular or repetitive behavior or routine. Example: After a few months of living together, John and Sarah fell into the pattern of waking up at the same time and cooking breakfast together every morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

That fell into the pattern of recent weeks.

The New York Times

"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

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

It fell into the pattern of a group of my stories in which a young fellow named Sam evaded the civilizing demands of his socialite mother and logger-baron father by fleeing into the forests of Washington State, where he did much hunting and fishing and laconic romancing with free-spirited women he met on the trail.

The New Yorker

The match soon fell into the pattern of City trying to prise a way through the massed Hammers ranks and it did not take long for City's pressure and perseverance to pay off.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

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

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

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fell into the pattern" when describing how someone or something began to behave in a predictable or repetitive way, especially when it was not initially intentional.

Common error

Avoid using "fell into the pattern" when a specific, conscious habit is formed. Instead, reserve it for scenarios where a less deliberate, emergent routine develops.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fell into the pattern" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a predictable or repetitive behavior. As Ludwig AI suggests, it signifies a shift towards an established routine or habitual way of acting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fell into the pattern" is a phrase used to describe the adoption of a predictable or repetitive behavior, often without conscious intent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, its use is appropriate across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider whether you are describing a deliberate habit or a more emergent routine. Related phrases, like "settled into a routine", offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

settled into a routine

Emphasizes the establishment of a predictable sequence of actions.

became accustomed to

Highlights the process of getting used to something over time.

adopted the habit

Focuses on acquiring a specific habit rather than a broad pattern.

started doing something regularly

Specifies that actions became consistently repeated over time.

followed the course

Suggests adherence to a predetermined path or sequence.

got into the swing of things

Emphasizes adapting to and becoming comfortable with an activity.

developed a tendency

Focuses on the emergence of an inclination to act a certain way.

conformed to the system

Implies aligning with an established structure or set of rules.

established a custom

Highlights creating a tradition or regularly practiced behaviour.

gravitated towards the norm

Highlights the natural tendency to align with common behaviors.

FAQs

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

Use "fell into the pattern" to describe the process of adopting a predictable behavior or routine, like: "After the initial chaos, the team "fell into the pattern" of holding weekly meetings".

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

Alternatives include "settled into a routine", "became accustomed to", or "adopted the habit", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "fall into the pattern" or should it be "fell into the pattern"?

"Fell into the pattern" is the past tense, used to describe something that has already happened. Use "fall into the pattern" for present or future scenarios.

What's the difference between "fell into the pattern" and "fell into the habit"?

"Fell into the pattern" generally refers to a broader routine or way of doing things, whereas "fell into the habit" implies a specific, often individual, behavior that has become automatic.