following the pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following the pattern" is correct and grammatically correct for use in written English.
It is used when referring to the fact that something is being done in a certain way based on a pre-determined set of actions, or pattern. For example, "The students are studying for the exam by following the pattern established in the study guide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The market might well be following the pattern of past corrections, when huge gains were often followed by some retrenchment.

The New York Times

Unconsciously, they were following the pattern of self-destructive behaviour established at the 1974 final.

The Guardian - Sport

It will play on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, following the pattern Fox uses for "American Idol".

The New York Times

That's why the films were so slow - because they were following the pattern of the music".

The Guardian - Film

The upper ranks of the clergy were Normanized and feudalized, following the pattern of lay society.

Britannica

These recommendations come from top editors at these publications, following the pattern of yesterday's reading suggestions from national publications.

The New York Times

Local officials expect the wreckage to get worse through the next few days, following the pattern of Hurricane Floyd.

The Washington Post

The Ethics differs from Spinoza's earlier writings in following the pattern of Euclid's Elements – and, indeed, its method is often described as "geometrical".

The Guardian - Opinion

They have done just enough to win, following the pattern that has worked for the Yankees for so many recent Octobers.

The New York Times - Sports

But, following the pattern of five of the other games in the losing streak, they slipped to 15.4percentt in the second quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

Cushman's market analyst, Mr. Cruz, noted that Tarragon was following the pattern it had established when another building, 1000 Madison, opened last year at Upper Grand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following the pattern" to describe adherence to established procedures, sequences, or models, ensuring clarity in instructions or explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "following the pattern" when the pattern itself is not clearly defined or understood by the audience, as this can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the pattern" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier, explaining how or in what manner an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following the pattern" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe adherence to a pre-established sequence, model, or method. Ludwig AI and the provided examples confirm its widespread usage across diverse fields such as news, science, and general instructions. While it's most frequently found in neutral contexts, it can effectively convey the idea of consistency and conformity to existing guidelines. Remember to use this phrase when the pattern is clear to the audience and to avoid using it in situations where the pattern is not well-defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhering to the scheme

Emphasizes strict adherence to a structured plan or arrangement; more rigid than "following the pattern".

conforming to the norm

Highlights compliance with a standard or typical behavior, implying less flexibility than "following the pattern".

maintaining the trend

Focuses on the continuation of a direction or style, specifically in situations where a progression is evident. It emphasizes continuation, while "following the pattern" has a broader meaning.

mirroring the process

Suggests a direct replication of a series of actions or steps, focusing on duplication rather than general adherence.

replicating the format

Refers specifically to copying the arrangement or structure of something, more specific than "following the pattern".

duplicating the sequence

This emphasizes the exact reproduction of an order or series of events, focusing on exactness of reproduction rather than general adherence.

imitating the design

Focuses on copying the aesthetic or functional structure of something, relating mostly to physical appearances. It's less versatile than "following the pattern".

echoing the method

Highlights the similarity in approaches or techniques, particularly in problem-solving or creative endeavors. It's more specific than "following the pattern".

walking the line

This phrase has a more narrow meaning then "following the pattern".

keeping pace

Keeping up with a process, it implies motion where "following the pattern" implies the process is well known.

FAQs

How can I use "following the pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "following the pattern" to describe adhering to an established sequence or model, for example: "The company is "following the pattern" of successful startups by prioritizing innovation and customer engagement."

What are some alternatives to "following the pattern"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "adhering to the scheme", "conforming to the norm", or "maintaining the trend".

Is it better to say "following the pattern" or "by following the pattern"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""following the pattern"" is often used as a gerund phrase to describe a method or action, while "by following the pattern" emphasizes the means by which something is achieved.

What's the difference between "following the pattern" and "establishing a pattern"?

"Following the pattern" means to act in accordance with an existing model, while "establishing a pattern" means creating a new model that others can follow.