irregular pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"irregular pattern" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a sequence or arrangement that does not follow a consistent or expected format. For example, "The tiles were laid in an irregular pattern, creating a unique visual effect." Alternative expressions include "uneven arrangement" and "asymmetrical design."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This effect is reinforced by the irregular pattern of the apartment windows, which gives the facades a cubist feeling.

The New York Times - Arts

The result was an irregular pattern of Protestant and Roman Catholic areas, cutting across the boundaries of language and physical geography, which is still in evidence today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The largest ice field in Europe (excluding Iceland), it is oriented northeast-southwest and extends in an irregular pattern for about 45 miles (75 km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can loose yourself in the branches crushing under your feet, the subtle change of light, the combination of curved and straight tree edges, the play of shadows, as well as the irregular pattern and texture of birch trees".

The Guardian

Next door to the Bird's Nest is the Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, a rectilinear building with a blue-gray exterior of translucent plastic pillows set in an irregular pattern intended to evoke bubbles.

The New Yorker

The apartments are awash with light, arrestingly refracted by the irregular pattern of the windows, and Nouvel designed every detail, from squared-off sinks and bathtubs, with faucets that operate by touch, to rolling stainless-steel kitchen cabinetry.

The New Yorker

After someone in the city government noticed an irregular pattern in the payments from the merchants in April, the authorities began investigating Ms. Compoccia, said Patrick Clark, a spokesman for the Department of Investigation.

The New York Times

Since then she has had a grand mal fit - a major seizure - every two weeks and an irregular pattern of petit mals, where her brain appears to briefly cut out, most days.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The waves off the Jersey coast — born of wind and water far out in the Atlantic, grown to their full height through the energy of the winds — form a confused, irregular pattern known as a "sea".

The New Yorker

The adenocarcinoma cells were arranged in an irregular pattern (b).

Surgical Case Reports

Now imagine another set of numbers, dusted in an irregular pattern onto a plane.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In architectural contexts, use this phrase to highlight intentional design choices that break away from traditional grids.

Common error

Do not use "irregular pattern" as a perfect synonym for a random one. An irregular pattern might still follow a complex, non-repeating rule, whereas a random pattern implies a total lack of underlying logic or predictability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irregular pattern" functions as an adjective-noun compound where the adjective 'irregular' modifies the noun 'pattern' to denote a lack of symmetry, periodicity or standard repetition. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it frequently serves as the direct object of a verb (e.g., "showed an irregular pattern") or within a prepositional phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "irregular pattern" is a robust linguistic tool used to describe any sequence or arrangement that lacks a consistent or predictable format. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is exceptionally prevalent in Scientific and News contexts, appearing in over 58 high-quality examples. It is most frequently used to describe biological anomalies, architectural styles and data inconsistencies. Unlike "randomness", an "irregular pattern" often implies a specific, albeit non-standard, structure. Whether you are writing a research paper on adenocarcinoma cells or an article on modern urban design, this phrase provides the necessary precision to describe complex visual or temporal arrangements that defy simple symmetry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

erratic pattern

Emphasizes unpredictability and lack of a fixed course.

uneven arrangement

Focuses on the physical or spatial lack of uniformity.

patchy distribution

Specifically describes something occurring in isolated areas rather than a continuous flow.

asymmetrical layout

Highlights a lack of balance or symmetry in design or structure.

non-uniform configuration

A more technical or scientific way to describe variation in shape or setup.

random sequence

Suggests a lack of any discernible order or rule behind the arrangement.

jagged formation

Evokes a sharp, rough or uneven physical edge or outline.

inconsistent trend

Refers to data or behavior that does not follow a steady path over time.

disorderly arrangement

Implies a lack of organization or a chaotic structure.

sporadic occurrence

Describes things happening at irregular intervals in time rather than space.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "irregular pattern"?

Depending on the nuance, you can use alternatives like "erratic pattern", "uneven arrangement", or "patchy distribution".

Is "irregular pattern" formal enough for scientific writing?

Yes, it is extensively used in high-impact journals like Science and PlosOne to describe everything from cell structures to GDP fluctuations.

What is the difference between "irregular pattern" and "random pattern"?

An "irregular pattern" lacks symmetry or standard repetition but may still be governed by specific, non-obvious laws, whereas a "random pattern" is characterized by the absence of any deterministic order.

How do I use "irregular pattern" in a sentence about design?

You might say, "The architect chose an "irregular pattern of windows" to give the building a modern, cubist feel."