pattern of conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pattern of conduct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent way of behaving or acting over time, often in a legal or psychological context. Example: "The investigation revealed a troubling pattern of conduct that suggested a disregard for company policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We found a pattern of conduct of targeting people based on the color of their skin".

The New York Times

"It involves a pattern of conduct that is out of control and unprofessional".

The New York Times

This is a learned and inherent pattern of conduct for each culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Manne said the government had engaged in a "pattern of conduct" to attempt to avoid granting refugees protection visas.

The Guardian

In Washington, antitrust reviews of Google have focused on individual business deals rather than a pattern of conduct.

The New York Times - Tech

The United States Trustee sued Countrywide last month in the Atchley case, saying its pattern of conduct was an abuse of the bankruptcy system.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

That follows a more recent pattern of conducting all major terrorist trials in the civilian US judicial system.

The Guardian

Like many other countries Sweden is changing its pattern of conducting research.

Research Policy

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, in a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, faulted Arpaio for "a pattern and practice of conduct that includes discriminatory harassment, improper stops, searches and arrests".

Huffington Post

Even our actions: habits, rules, codes of honor, sports, traditions -- we have many names for patterns of conduct.

The New York Times - Science

"And if I see patterns of conduct that is improper, I'm not going to tolerate it, even if it may make some people upset".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pattern of conduct" to illustrate consistency and predictability in an individual's or organization's behavior over time.

Common error

Avoid labeling isolated incidents as a "pattern of conduct". A true pattern requires multiple occurrences demonstrating a clear trend over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pattern of conduct" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a recurring or consistent way of behaving, acting, or operating. The phrase is frequently used in legal, ethical, and business contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pattern of conduct" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a recurring way of behaving or acting. Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in legal, ethical, and business settings. While it is widely used, writers should be mindful of differentiating between isolated incidents and true patterns. Alternatives like "behavioral pattern" or "recurring behavior" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. The phrase is generally formal and is observed mainly in News and Media. Remember that establishing a "pattern of conduct" requires demonstrating consistent and repeated actions over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behavioral pattern

Focuses more on the observable actions or reactions of an individual or group.

recurring behavior

Highlights the repetition of specific actions.

established practice

Implies a customary or routine way of doing things, often within an organization.

habitual actions

Suggests ingrained behaviors performed almost automatically.

systematic behavior

Indicates a structured and organized approach to actions.

consistent actions

Emphasizes the uniformity and predictability of behavior.

repeated conduct

Similar to recurring behavior, but slightly more formal.

course of behavior

Describes a series of actions taken over a period of time.

customary practice

Relates to actions that are widely accepted and followed within a specific context.

routine actions

Implies actions that are performed regularly and predictably.

FAQs

How is "pattern of conduct" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "pattern of conduct" often refers to repeated actions that establish a precedent or demonstrate a systematic way of behaving, which can be crucial in proving intent or negligence.

What is the difference between "pattern of behavior" and "pattern of conduct"?

While similar, "pattern of behavior" is a broader term that can include both actions and reactions, while "pattern of conduct" typically refers more specifically to intentional actions or ways of operating.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pattern of conduct"?

Use "pattern of conduct" when you want to emphasize a consistent and repeated way of acting or behaving over a period, often to highlight a trend or established practice.

What are some alternative phrases for "pattern of conduct"?

You can use phrases such as "recurring behavior", "established practice", or "consistent actions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.