prevailing pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prevailing pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a dominant or widespread trend or behavior in a particular context. Example: "The prevailing pattern in consumer behavior shows a shift towards online shopping."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

However, the abstract and informal nature of prevailing pattern descriptions makes it difficult to use design patterns.

Journal of Systems and Software

More attention is paid when the perpetrator doesn't fit the prevailing pattern.

The Washington Post

One trenchant backbench critic acknowledges that many Tory MPs "usually follow the prevailing pattern".

The Economist

Elevation strongly influences this prevailing pattern, however, with significantly greater amounts of precipitation occurring in the mountains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the prevailing pattern remains for professors to lecture in large halls, with students expected to be quiet and listen.

The New York Times

Bright boys, from solidly middle-class or aspirant working-class backgrounds, good grammar schools, academically successful: that has been the prevailing pattern.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As this company found, innovation strategy matters most when an organization needs to change its prevailing patterns.

Harvard Business Review

That wavering, that sense that people are reacting daily to the campaign rather than following prevailing patterns, has given the race a special quality.

The New York Times

In some of our inner-city secondary schools where there are prevailing patterns of deprivation they become just another disadvantage to be overcome by children whose lives are full of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

EYS is defined as the number of years of schooling a child of school entrance age can expect to receive, if prevailing patterns of age-specific enrolment rates persist throughout the child's schooling life.

Nature

Prevailing Winds The wind can blow from any direction on any given day, but over a year there are prevailing patterns -- and if you know what they are in a particular city, you can easily determine directions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prevailing pattern" to describe trends or behaviors that are widely observed and have a significant impact within a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "prevailing pattern" in overly casual settings. Simpler terms like "usual way" or "common thing" may be more appropriate for everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevailing pattern" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a widespread or dominant trend, behavior, or characteristic within a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevailing pattern" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a dominant or widespread trend, behavior, or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its frequency is categorized as 'common', primarily appearing in scientific and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a neutral to formal tone, suitable for professional, academic, or journalistic writing. Remember, synonyms like "common trend" or "dominant trend" may offer suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common trend

Focuses on the widespread nature of the trend.

dominant trend

Emphasizes the power and influence of the trend.

typical behavior

Highlights the usual way of acting or functioning.

established norm

Indicates a widely accepted standard or custom.

general tendency

Refers to a common direction or inclination.

regular occurrence

Stresses the repeated nature of an event.

widespread practice

Highlights how common a specific practice is.

customary practice

Emphasizes the traditional aspect of the practice.

conventional method

Focuses on the established and accepted way of doing something.

standard procedure

Highlights the formalized and routine nature of the procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "prevailing pattern" in a sentence?

Use "prevailing pattern" to describe a trend or behavior that is dominant or widespread. For example: "The prevailing pattern in consumer behavior shows a shift towards online shopping."

What can I say instead of "prevailing pattern"?

You can use alternatives like "common trend", "dominant trend", or "typical behavior" depending on the specific context.

Is "prevailing pattern" formal or informal language?

"Prevailing pattern" is considered relatively neutral to formal. It is appropriate for professional, academic, and news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives are better for informal settings.

What is the difference between "prevailing pattern" and "usual trend"?

"Prevailing pattern" suggests a more established and influential trend, while "usual trend" simply indicates something that happens frequently or commonly. The first has a stronger connotation of dominance.