social trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general direction in which society is moving, particularly in terms of behaviors, attitudes, or preferences. Example: "The rise of remote work is a significant social trend that has transformed the workplace landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here again, though, it's a social trend already well under way.

The Guardian

But (literally) overnight, Cancer Research UK turned the organic social trend into a fundraising whirlwind.

The Guardian

The ease with which people can arrange their deaths has shocked Japan and underlines a disturbing social trend.

The Guardian

(I say this as an observation about an encouraging social trend, not a criticism, by any means).

The New Yorker

But the growing reliance that many Puerto Ricans have on pasteleras like Ms. Quiros also underscores a shifting social trend.

The New York Times

But the film, which helped label this generation, does what our whole culture does -- portrays a social trend as a personal choice.

The New York Times

And yet, it was worse to consider the murders for what they were: a social trend, an epiphenomenon, a case of bloody mass misogyny.

The Guardian

But while al-Qaida's form of radical Islamism appealed to a minority of discontented individuals, it never represented a dominant social trend in the Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was what Gandhi set his sights on, pitting himself against every political and social trend of the past two hundred years.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the biggest social trend contributing to the gentrification of Montauk is something out of its control, the growing popularity of surfing and the surfing lifestyle.

The New York Times

There is, however, another reason for the new policy prominence of economists: it is part of a broader social trend, the triumph of the nerds.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use empirical evidence to support claims about "social trend" to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "social trend" is universal; clearly define its prevalence and the groups it impacts to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social trend" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a widespread pattern of change or development in societal behaviors, attitudes, or values. Ludwig confirms its accurate and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social trend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes significant directional shifts in societal behavior. Ludwig highlights its neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts from news and media to academic discussions. While very common, avoid overgeneralizing its scope by specifying the affected demographic. Consider alternatives like "societal shift" or "cultural movement" for nuanced expression. The consistent presence of "social trend" across reliable sources validates its use in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal shift

Focuses more on a fundamental change in the structure or nature of society.

cultural movement

Highlights the collective activities and ideas within a culture.

evolving norm

Emphasizes the gradual development of accepted standards.

shifting paradigm

Indicates a fundamental change in the underlying assumptions or framework.

changing behavior

Directly refers to alterations in how people act.

growing tendency

Highlights the increasing prevalence of a particular action or belief.

emerging pattern

Points to a newly forming regularity in social activity.

popular wave

Suggests a surge of interest or participation in something.

prevailing custom

Refers to a dominant practice or habit within a society.

fashionable practice

Indicates that something is currently in vogue or style.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "social trend" in a sentence?

Use "social trend" to describe significant shifts in societal behavior, attitudes, or values. For instance, "The increasing adoption of renewable energy is a notable "social trend" reflecting growing environmental awareness".

What's a good alternative to using "social trend"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "societal shift", "cultural movement", or "evolving norm".

What factors typically drive a "social trend"?

Factors driving a "social trend" can include technological advancements, economic changes, shifts in cultural values, and significant historical events.

How can I identify emerging "social trends"?

Keep an eye on data from social sciences, observe changes in consumer behavior, monitor media coverage, and pay attention to discussions and developments in cultural and political spheres. These can provide insights into developing "social trends".