in the pattern of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the pattern of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that follows a certain trend or typical behavior. Example: "In the pattern of things, we can expect the project to be completed by the end of the month, as it aligns with our previous timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Such reasoning assumes that the meanings of our lives, what makes us individuals, are to be found in the pattern of things that happen to us on the surface, that is but such a record is always susceptible to shades of meaning.

The New Yorker

Such reasoning assumes that the meanings of our lives, what makes us individuals, are to be found in the pattern of things that happen to us — on the surface, that is — but such a record is always susceptible to shades of meaning.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Put the pattern of things together.

The Guardian

This has been the pattern of things for NYC FC at points this year.

The Guardian - Sport

This might consist in (1) an increase or decrease in the population of things that fall within the subject matter; or (2) a shift in the pattern of fundamental properties and relations those things exhibit (Lewis 2001: 612).

SEP

"The pattern of the thing precedes the thing," Nabokov said about his own Bristol index cards and Blackwing pencils.

The Guardian - Books

Seeing the pattern of when things are about to go sour is the beginning of wisdom, and the end of life in the gutter.

Huffington Post

Next, there were two 'open questions' in which they were given opportunities to provide comments on perceived gaps in the pattern of funding and to identify 'the one thing about autism they would like to see researched in the coming decade'.

Autism

There is a significant ethnic variation in the pattern of responses with more Yoruba in favour of doing these things than the Igbo.

BMC Public Health

Place your Tangrams in the pattern of your choosing.

Vice

The main focus of the Second Book of the Periphyseon is an analysis of what Eriugena terms 'the Primary Causes' (causae primordiales) which are the patterns of all things located in the mind of God and function as the timeless and unchanging causes of all created things.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the pattern of things" to describe events or situations that follow a predictable course or established trend. For example, 'In the pattern of things, project delays are common during the holiday season.'

Common error

Avoid using "in the pattern of things" when you mean to convey a sense of exceptionalism or deviation. The phrase implies conformity to a norm, not an exception to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the pattern of things" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing an adverbial clause or phrase that modifies a verb or entire sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a predictable course of events or a commonly observed trend.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the pattern of things" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a typical or predictable sequence of events. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of expected progression. Although less frequent than other similar phrases like ""in the scheme of things"", it finds application in both News & Media and Scientific contexts, providing a useful way to frame events within established norms. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context aligns with a sense of predictability rather than exceptionalism. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the scheme of things

Implies a broader perspective, focusing on overall importance within a larger context.

in the nature of things

Refers to inherent qualities or expected outcomes based on the inherent characteristics of something.

as things go

Indicates a general observation about the current state or progression of events.

in the order of things

Emphasizes sequence or arrangement within a system or process.

in the run of things

Similar to 'as things go', but more closely related to a continuous flow of events and routines.

in the general scheme

Comparable to 'in the scheme of things', but can imply a less critical level of overall consideration.

in the usual course of events

Points to what typically happens, or what can be expected under normal circumstances.

as is customary

Focuses on established conventions and traditions rather than patterns.

given the circumstances

Highlights the impact of specific conditions on expected patterns and outcomes.

taking everything into account

Suggests a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors when considering potential patterns.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the pattern of things" to describe how events usually unfold or to point out a common sequence. For instance, you might say, "In the pattern of things, successful startups often require multiple rounds of funding."

What's a good alternative to "in the pattern of things"?

Alternatives include "in the scheme of things", which implies a broader perspective, or "as things go", which is more casual. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in the pattern of things" formal or informal?

The phrase "in the pattern of things" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts. While not overly academic, it's appropriate for professional or journalistic writing.

How does "in the pattern of things" differ from "in the nature of things"?

"In the pattern of things" suggests a sequence of events or predictable trend, while "in the nature of things" refers to inherent qualities or inevitable outcomes based on something's fundamental characteristics.