pattern of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pattern of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a recurring theme, trend, or arrangement in various contexts, such as art, behavior, or data analysis. Example: "The artist's work often reflects a pattern of things that challenge societal norms and expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Put the pattern of things together.

The Guardian

"Something shook up the normal pattern of things.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Sport

This whole pattern of things fits together with the idea that you're at a threshold.

Princeton University

But if we see the disappearance of the bamboo forests on which the panda depends, that will disrupt the whole natural pattern of things".

The Guardian

Some of us have more seasons under our belts, but you learn very quickly that the minute you make an assumption about your garden, or think you know the pattern of things, nature loves to mock you.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Turning e-paper into a fabric has a number of potential benefits – including the ability to change pattern and design of things you're wearing in an instant, including coloured options using newer color e-ink technology.

TechCrunch

This close observation is surprisingly intriguing, bringing out shapes, textures and patterns of things routinely taken for granted.

The New York Times

His principal work was in developing methods and systematic theories to analyze and solve partial differential equations, which are mathematical descriptions of the patterns of things like the movements of air and water as well as the stresses and strains on materials.

The New York Times

Instead, the tendency has been to just look at static mean geographic patterns of things, which has been shown over and over again not to have much predictive value, with a couple of exceptions (e.g. see a nice 2010 paper by Trenberth and Fasullo [summary here] that relates one chronic model mean cloud error to climate sensitivity).

The New York Times

If you look at usage patterns of things like the iPad, you see a huge amount of browsing, video-watching, casual gaming.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pattern of things" when describing a recognizable and recurring arrangement or sequence, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or events that have a discernible order.

Common error

Avoid using "pattern of things" when a simpler word like "trend" or "sequence" would suffice. The phrase is best suited for contexts where a deeper, more complex arrangement is being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pattern of things" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a recurring arrangement or observable trend, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pattern of things" is a versatile expression used to describe recurring themes, trends, or arrangements across various domains. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While "pattern of things" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's most effective when conveying deeper, more complex arrangements. For alternative expressions, consider using phrases like "sequence of events", "general trend", or "prevailing system" to add precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequence of events

Focuses specifically on the temporal order of occurrences.

course of events

Emphasizes the progression and direction of a series of happenings.

general trend

Highlights a prevailing direction or tendency.

prevailing system

Refers to an established method or structure.

typical order

Highlights an order that is according to type.

normal arrangement

Focuses on the standard way items are organized or placed.

established order

Emphasizes a pre-existing, recognized sequence.

regularity of happenings

Stresses the consistent and predictable nature of events.

systematic structure

Implies a deliberate, organized framework.

observed trend

Describes something observed and consistent.

FAQs

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

You can use "pattern of things" to describe a recurring theme or trend. For example: "The investigation revealed a disturbing "pattern of things" within the company's financial records.".

What can I say instead of "pattern of things"?

Alternatives include "sequence of events", "general trend", or "prevailing system", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "pattern of things" formal or informal?

"Pattern of things" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in analytical or descriptive writing where a degree of objectivity is required.

What's the difference between "pattern of things" and "sequence of events"?

"Pattern of things" implies a recognizable arrangement or recurrence, while "sequence of events" simply refers to the chronological order in which things happen, without necessarily implying a repetitive structure.