this pattern continues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this pattern continues" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain trend or behavior is ongoing or has not changed over time. Example: "If this pattern continues, we can expect similar results in the upcoming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

If this pattern continues then the industry will have to start making significant cutbacks.

The Guardian - Money

This pattern continues in 2012 now that McCain's major opponent is the presumptive nominee.

The New Yorker

This pattern continues until each processor has only one grid point.

University of California, Berkeley

If this pattern continues, expect to hear a lot more from the Chinese official media in the days ahead.

The New Yorker

If this pattern continues to play out, the dream of upward mobility through education will sputter and die.

The New York Times

This pattern continues until either the player or the computer has sunk all of their opponents ships.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

This pattern continued throughout 2015.

The Guardian

This pattern continued over the weekend.

The New York Times

This pattern continued throughout Schiller's crisscrossed career path.

The New York Times

This pattern continued for a number of years.

The Guardian - Opinion

This pattern continued for a couple of weeks.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this pattern continues" to clearly indicate the ongoing nature of a trend or sequence, providing context for predictions or analyses. It creates a sense of expectation for what follows.

Common error

Avoid using "this pattern continues" without clearly establishing what the pattern is. Ensure the reader understands the preceding trend or sequence to prevent ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this pattern continues" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating the continuation of a previously mentioned trend or sequence. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable. The phrase often serves to link prior observations with future expectations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

34%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this pattern continues" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate that a previously established trend or sequence is ongoing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a transitional element, linking past observations with future expectations. It is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its versatility and clarity in expressing continuity. Remember to clearly define the pattern before using the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the trend persists

This alternative replaces "pattern" with "trend" and uses "persists" instead of "continues", suggesting a long-lasting tendency. The connotation is almost identical but emphasizes duration.

the sequence progresses

Replacing "pattern" with "sequence" and "continues" with "progresses" implies an ordered series of events moving forward.

the situation unfolds

This alternative, while similar, implies that the situation is not just continuing but also revealing itself or developing.

the habit endures

Using "habit" instead of "pattern" suggests a repeated behavior. "Endures" conveys persistence through time, potentially against some resistance.

the practice is maintained

This alternative implies that the pattern is being deliberately upheld or sustained.

the behavior repeats

Focuses on the repetitive aspect of the pattern. "Repeats" emphasizes that the same actions or events are occurring again.

the system rolls on

This alternative shifts focus to a larger system, suggesting a more mechanistic or impersonal continuation.

the tradition carries on

Emphasizes the passing of the pattern from one generation or time period to the next.

the cycle recurs

This alternative highlights the cyclical nature of the pattern, implying that it returns at regular intervals.

the process advances

This suggests a movement towards a specific goal or outcome, more so than a simple continuation. Emphasizes progression or improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "this pattern continues" in a sentence?

You can use "this pattern continues" to indicate that a trend or behavior is ongoing. For example, "Sales have increased each quarter; if "this pattern continues", we expect record profits next year."

What are some alternatives to "this pattern continues"?

Alternatives include "the trend persists", "the sequence progresses", or "the behavior repeats", depending on the specific context you want to convey. Each phrase carries subtly different connotations.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this pattern continues"?

Yes, "this pattern continues" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal writing. It follows standard English sentence structure.

What does "this pattern continues" imply?

"This pattern continues" implies that a previously observed trend, sequence, or behavior is still in effect and is expected to persist in the future. It sets an expectation of continuity.