following the pattern of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following the pattern of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is modeled after or resembles a specific structure, style, or method. Example: "The new design is following the pattern of traditional architecture, incorporating classic elements into its modern framework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When Sri Lanka was crushed by 209 runs in its next match, by West Indies, it looked as if it was following the pattern of so many giant-killers, unable to follow up after a single brilliant performance.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

The majority of monocytes was initially trapped in the lungs, followed by redistribution in liver, spleen and bone marrow (Figure 1), following the pattern of labeled leukocytes [19].

Plosone

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Film

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

Mrs. Dole did not give her more famous husband a speaking role at her announcement speech, following the pattern of Mrs. Clinton.

The New York Times

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

6.37pm: This game is following the pattern of many of their previous encounters - Karpov consumes too much time, but often fights back under pressure.

The Guardian

American government officials have been warning that SARS, following the pattern of many respiratory diseases, may return next winter and become more of a global problem then.

The New York Times

The other Fox concepts are still being kept secret, following the pattern of the network's introduction of its monster hit, "Joe Millionaire," last winter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "following the pattern of" to clearly indicate that something is being modeled after or resembles a specific structure, method, or style. It ensures clarity when describing imitative or derivative processes.

Common error

Avoid using "following the pattern of" when you only mean a general similarity. This phrase implies a detailed resemblance, not just a superficial one. If you only want to convey that something is similar, consider using words like "resembling" or "similar to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following the pattern of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase. It typically modifies a verb, indicating how an action or process is being carried out in accordance with a specific model, method, or design, as exemplified by Ludwig's search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "following the pattern of" is a versatile prepositional phrase that describes how something adheres to or imitates a specific model or method. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across numerous contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While it’s essential to use it when describing detailed resemblances rather than superficial similarities, this phrase effectively communicates imitation or adherence to a standard. Alternatives like "in the manner of" or "modeled after" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modeled after

This directly indicates that something has been created to resemble something else.

in the manner of

This alternative uses different preposition and emphasizes the way something is done.

along the lines of

Suggests similarity in general direction or approach but less precise than "following the pattern of".

consistent with

This alternative emphasizes agreement or compatibility with a set of rules or principles.

mirroring the style of

This alternative emphasizes visual similarity or imitation.

adhering to the model of

This alternative is more formal and stresses strict conformity to a pre-existing structure.

emulating the form of

This suggests a conscious effort to imitate and possibly surpass the original.

in accordance with

Highlights compliance with rules or standards, rather than direct imitation.

taking a cue from

Indicates inspiration or guidance from something but not necessarily strict replication.

drawing inspiration from

This implies using something as a creative source, rather than simply copying a pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "following the pattern of" to describe something that is imitating or modeled after something else. For example: "The new building design is "following the pattern of" traditional architecture."

What phrases are similar to "following the pattern of"?

Similar phrases include "in the manner of", "along the lines of", or "consistent with", which all suggest a resemblance or alignment with a particular style or method.

Is it correct to say "following the pattern from" instead of "following the pattern of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "Following the pattern from" is grammatically incorrect. The proper usage is ""following the pattern of"".

When should I use "modeled after" instead of "following the pattern of"?

"Modeled after" is a good alternative when you want to emphasize that something was intentionally designed or created to resemble something else. While ""following the pattern of"" can simply describe a similarity, "modeled after" implies a deliberate act of imitation.