patterns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patterns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to repeated designs, sequences, or behaviors in various contexts, such as art, mathematics, or human behavior. Example: "The artist often incorporates geometric patterns into her work, creating a sense of harmony and balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cowboy that Lauren has honed throughout his career became a cowgirl – see fringed jackets and geometric south-western patterns, the kind seen on classic ponchos, here on slouchy cardigans and backpacks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even trees and traffic patterns can be changed.

The Guardian

They appear everywhere – in repeated patterns across cityscapes, on buildings, on everything from to sticky buns to boxes of plasters.

The Guardian - Music

In these sub divisions of the ComRes sample the numbers asked get pretty small, but the patterns and contrasts still catch the eye.

The Guardian

"This will enable the aggregation of data across and within industries and will be invaluable to employers to assist them understand the characteristics of their workforce, including occupational segregation, the position of women and men in management and patterns of potentially insecure employment," the WGEA says on its website.

The Guardian

With its double-size sample, the final poll gives more scope than usual for looking for difference in voting patterns across different types of parliamentary seat.

The Guardian

In order to concentrate the listener's perception on the rhythm, melodic material – most of it pinched from a book of Lithuanian folk tunes – is extremely simple, sometimes reduced to tiny repetitive patterns of a mere two or three pitches.

The Guardian - Music

We must tailor programmes to meet specific needs; something we can only achieve if we have enough data about the girls' nutritional status, food consumption patterns and information about their access to community and health services.

The Guardian

Anyone looking at my account activity over the past 10-15 years could see there were no unusual transactions or patterns – but I at least assumed I would be told when it would take place".

The Guardian - Money

Changing trade patterns - notably Britain's entry into the then Common Market - saw the company's fortunes decline.

The Guardian - Travel

Free of the EU, Britain would be better positioned to realign its trade patterns towards fast-growing economies, thus stimulating economic growth, than it is now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patterns" to describe recurring sequences, designs, or behaviors, especially when analyzing or identifying trends in data or observations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because you've identified "patterns", you've also discovered the underlying causes. Correlation does not equal causation; further investigation is needed to determine the reasons behind observed "patterns".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "patterns" is as a plural noun. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it typically serves as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence, referring to multiple instances of a recurring form or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "patterns" functions as a plural noun used to describe recurring sequences, designs, or behaviors across various domains, and is grammatically correct. According to Ludwig, its usage is very common, particularly within news and media contexts. While it is appropriate for various registers, ensure that you're using it accurately and avoid assuming causation from observed "patterns". Consider alternatives like "designs", "trends", or "sequences" depending on the specific context to improve precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designs

Refers more specifically to visual arrangements or artistic creations.

trends

Focuses on the direction of change or popularity over time.

forms

Emphasizes the shape or structure of something.

motifs

Highlights recurring elements or themes, especially in art or literature.

sequences

Describes an ordered set of elements or events.

regularities

Points out consistent or predictable occurrences.

structures

Highlights the arrangement and organization of components.

arrangements

Focuses on the way things are placed or organized.

models

Represents a simplified version of something complex, often for analysis.

configurations

Refers to a specific arrangement or setup of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "patterns" in a sentence?

You can use "patterns" to describe recurring designs, sequences, or behaviors. For example, "The artist often uses geometric patterns in their work" or "Researchers are studying voting patterns to understand election trends."

What words can I use instead of "patterns"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "designs", "trends", "forms", or "sequences".

Is it correct to say "pattern" instead of "patterns"?

Whether to use "pattern" or "patterns" depends on whether you are referring to a single instance or multiple instances of a recurring design or behavior. Use "pattern" for a single instance and "patterns" for multiple instances.

What's the difference between "patterns" and "trends"?

"Patterns" refer to recurring arrangements or sequences, while "trends" indicate the general direction in which something is changing or developing over time. "Patterns" can be observed at a specific moment, whereas trends usually require a longer observation period.