recurring pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recurring pattern" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The novel's recurring pattern of betrayal and redemption kept readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That criticism follows a recurring pattern.

The New York Times

This is a recurring pattern for the Scots.

The Guardian - Sport

It's true: you'd be hard pressed to see a recurring pattern in Duff's CV.

The Guardian

They said he had to go because he had "a recurring pattern of personal misconduct".

The New York Times

Sorting through this company of monomaniacs, Isaacson finds a recurring pattern, a binary pairing of opposites.

The Guardian - Books

"It is an unfortunate recurring pattern in American history," Professor Foner said.

The New York Times

Rock historians tend to arrange rock's past into a recurring pattern of emergence, appropriation, and decline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Burkert shows how certain Greek myths have a recurring pattern that he calls "the girl's tragedy".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Efforts such as these might be the south's last stand against a recurring pattern of legalised discrimination with infinitesimal consequences.

The Guardian

Another recurring pattern is that Cameron scores well on "personality" factors but trails Brown on "leadership" attributes.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a recurring pattern of building anticipation before a blast of eye-popping scenery, and then a brief lull before the buildup starts again.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "recurring pattern", be specific about the elements that repeat and the context in which they appear. This enhances clarity and strengthens your analysis.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of a "recurring pattern". Instead of stating that something 'often happens', provide concrete examples and explain why the pattern is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recurring pattern" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It identifies a repeated sequence or observable regularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recurring pattern" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to describe repetitive sequences or regularity in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for diverse writing styles, ranging from formal academic papers to news reports. Understanding its purpose and usage patterns, as well as differentiating it from similar terms like "trend" or "theme", will help you use it effectively. When using "recurring pattern", specificity and clarity are vital to convey meaning accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurrent pattern

Simple synonym replacement of "recurring" with "recurrent".

repeating pattern

"Repeating" emphasizes the action of recurrence, rather than its inherent nature.

regular pattern

"Regular" suggests the pattern is consistent and predictable.

periodic pattern

"Periodic" implies recurrence at specific intervals.

established pattern

"Established" indicates a pattern that has been observed over time and is now recognized.

consistent pattern

"Consistent" highlights the uniformity of the pattern.

typical pattern

"Typical" suggests the pattern is representative or expected.

common trend

"Trend" implies a general direction or tendency that is frequently observed.

familiar theme

"Theme" suggests an underlying idea or concept that recurs.

predictable sequence

"Sequence" specifies an order of events that recurs in a foreseeable way.

FAQs

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

You can use "recurring pattern" to describe a repeating sequence of events, behaviors, or characteristics. For example: "The analyst identified a "recurring pattern" in the company's quarterly losses.".

What are some alternatives to "recurring pattern"?

Alternatives to "recurring pattern" include "recurrent pattern", "repeating pattern", or "regular pattern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "recurring pattern" and "recurrent pattern"?

While "recurring" and "recurrent" are often used interchangeably, "recurring pattern" might suggest a pattern that appears and disappears, while "recurrent pattern" emphasizes a continuous reappearance.

What's the difference between "recurring pattern" and "trend"?

A "recurring pattern" refers to a sequence of events that repeats, whereas a "trend" indicates a general direction or tendency. A trend may not necessarily be a "recurring pattern", but a consistent direction.