similar pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "similar pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to identical or nearly identical forms or behavior that is being repeated. For example, "We saw a similar pattern with last year's team during the playoffs, and it looks like it's happening again this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A similar pattern prevails nationally.

The Economist

Target saw a similar pattern.

The New York Times

Brokers see a similar pattern.

The New York Times

fits a disturbingly similar pattern.

The New York Times - Magazine

Retailing exhibited a similar pattern.

The New York Times

Previous analyses had found a similar pattern.

The New York Times

A similar pattern was found among women.

The New York Times

Copper-rich Chile followed a similar pattern.

The New York Times

These showdowns have followed a similar pattern.

The New Yorker

Other suicides have followed a similar pattern.

The New York Times

More recently, a similar pattern has held.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "similar pattern", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the elements being compared share key characteristics. Provide specific details to illustrate the similarities.

Common error

Avoid using "similar pattern" when the connection between the compared elements is weak or superficial. Ensure there are substantial, meaningful similarities to justify the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "similar pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a recurring or comparable sequence of events, behaviors, or characteristics, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "similar pattern" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase employed to highlight parallels and recurring trends across diverse situations. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage in news and media, where it serves to draw comparisons and provide context. While the phrase is generally versatile, it's best used when the similarities are substantial and clearly articulated. Alternatives like "analogous trend" or "comparable trend" can be used to add nuance. When employing the phrase, ensure that you are not overgeneralizing and provide specific examples of the similarities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analogous trend

Replaces "pattern" with "trend" and "similar" with "analogous", emphasizing comparability.

comparable trend

Replaces "pattern" with "trend" and "similar" with "comparable", highlighting the aspect of being able to compare.

parallel development

Substitutes "pattern" with "development" and "similar" with "parallel", focusing on simultaneous progression.

corresponding behavior

Replaces "pattern" with "behavior" and "similar" with "corresponding", highlighting matching actions.

matching tendency

Substitutes "pattern" with "tendency" and "similar" with "matching", focusing on a disposition to act alike.

consistent sequence

Replaces "pattern" with "sequence" and "similar" with "consistent", emphasizing a reliable order.

related phenomenon

Replaces "pattern" with "phenomenon" and "similar" with "related", broadening the scope to observable events.

recurrent motif

Substitutes "pattern" with "motif" and "similar" with "recurrent", often used in artistic or literary contexts.

echoing design

Replaces "pattern" with "design" and "similar" with "echoing", often used in visual or structural contexts.

duplicate occurrence

Substitutes "pattern" with "occurrence" and "similar" with "duplicate", stressing that something is happening again.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "similar pattern" in a sentence?

Use "similar pattern" to draw parallels between two or more situations or trends. For example, "The economic downturn of 2008 showed a "similar pattern" to the recession of the early 1990s".

What are some alternatives to using "similar pattern" in writing?

You can use alternatives like "analogous trend", "comparable trend", or "parallel development" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a similar pattern was observed"?

Yes, "a similar pattern was observed" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that someone noticed the recurring nature of events or data.

What's the difference between ""similar pattern"" and "same pattern"?

"Similar pattern" indicates resemblance but not exact duplication, while "same pattern" implies identical repetition. Use "similar pattern" when the trends are alike but not precisely the same.