sort of pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pattern that is not clearly defined or is somewhat ambiguous. Example: "The data revealed a sort of pattern that suggested a correlation between the two variables, though it was not definitive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's doing a sort of pattern matching.

The Guardian - Tech

"Coincidentally there seems to be some sort of pattern there.

Independent

This sort of pattern in the results was extremely unlikely to happen by chance.

The New York Times

Coaches and teammates refused to believe that Finnerty fit any sort of pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obviously, there is some sort of pattern there in the fact they are not deporting students".

The New York Times

Normally this sort of pattern would only occur on opposite sides of a topographic feature, such as a mountain range.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

This sort of pattern-matching was at the heart of TUTOR.

The New Yorker

On the way up, you get a lot of different, sort of, patterns as it goes through.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The inter-transactional model has led to the design of algorithms aimed to obtain this sort of patterns from time-stamped datasets.

Expert Systems with Applications

The Wonderbook is a blue, hardback book whose covers and pages, in its naked state, are covered with the sort of patterns (not unlike QR codes) that you find on Augmented Reality cards.

The Guardian - Tech

But it takes a lot more than individual observations to find the sort of patterns that will strike marketing gold, so data collection is where it's at right now for music-minded businesses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pattern that isn't fully defined or is emerging, use "sort of pattern" to indicate a preliminary observation. For example, "We are seeing a sort of pattern in customer behavior, but further analysis is needed."

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "sort of pattern" without providing specific details about the pattern itself. Supplement the phrase with descriptive elements to enhance clarity and provide readers with a more vivid understanding of what you mean.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of pattern" functions as a qualifier used to describe a recognizable arrangement or tendency that may not be fully defined or clearly evident. It suggests an emerging or indistinct trend.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sort of pattern" is a common and acceptable way to describe an emerging or not fully defined pattern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "sort of pattern" is appropriate for general use, consider more formal alternatives like "type of pattern" or "form of pattern" in professional or academic settings. Use "sort of pattern" to indicate a tentative observation, but supplement it with descriptive details for clarity. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, you can effectively convey the presence of a potential pattern without overstating its certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of pattern

Replaces "sort of" with "kind of", maintaining the same meaning with a slight variation in wording.

type of pattern

Substitutes "sort of" with "type of", offering a more formal alternative while retaining the core concept.

nature of pattern

Replaces "sort of" with "nature of", shifting the focus slightly towards the inherent characteristics of the pattern.

way of pattern

Offers a similar meaning by focusing on the specific method or configuration of the pattern.

form of pattern

Focuses on the specific structure or appearance the pattern assumes.

design of pattern

Highlights the intentional or structured arrangement within the pattern.

arrangement of pattern

Emphasizes the layout or organization of elements within the pattern.

tendency of pattern

Highlights the inclination or trend that the pattern exhibits.

order of pattern

Focuses on the structured sequence or arrangement inherent to the pattern.

structure of pattern

Replaces "sort of" with structure of, emphasizing the organization and relationship between components of the pattern

FAQs

What does "sort of pattern" mean?

The phrase "sort of pattern" suggests an emerging or indistinct pattern that is not yet fully formed or clearly defined. It indicates a tendency or arrangement that can be observed but may lack precise boundaries or consistent features.

How can I use "sort of pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of pattern" to describe observations or trends that are not yet fully confirmed or consistent. For example, "The research data revealed a "kind of pattern" suggesting a correlation between exercise and improved sleep quality."

What are some alternatives to "sort of pattern"?

Alternatives to "sort of pattern" include "type of pattern", "nature of pattern", or "form of pattern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "sort of pattern" formal or informal language?

"Sort of pattern" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "type of pattern" or "arrangement of pattern".