to settle into a pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to settle into a pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of becoming accustomed to a routine or a specific way of doing things. Example: "After a few weeks of practice, I began to settle into a pattern that helped me manage my time more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For me, his unwillingness to settle into a pattern, this strange quixotic resistance that he has, keeps me interested.

The Guardian - Film

With all trials guided by the same set of characteristics and probability distributions, the sequence of essentially random events is expected to settle into a pattern.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But he was never one to settle into an easy pattern.

The New Yorker

"For weight loss to stick, you have to be able to settle into an eating pattern that you can adhere to over time," said Suzanne Havala Hobbs, a clinical associate professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The New York Times

I like to see players who see every piece of possession as a weapon with which to hurt the other team and are seriously disappointed if opponents are allowed to settle into a comfortable defensive pattern.

Independent

It can take a while to settle into a good sleeping pattern, stick at it until your body clock gets a chance to fully adjust to it.

WikiHow

But in addition to the larks, the owls and those in between, there are certain people who never manage to settle into any pattern at all.

The New York Times

The developmental time for the system is set to a large period to allow gene expression patterns to settle into an attractor state.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Thereafter, confronted by the selection pressures of population immunity, these pandemic viruses begin to drift genetically and eventually settle into a pattern of annual epidemic recurrences caused by the drifted virus variants.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Many groups settle into a pattern of endless meetings to move decision-making forward.

HuffPost

The incidences that break up the lives of Aickman's characters never settle into a pattern, or at least not within the arc of a single story, though a reader may discern resonances across his work as a whole.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to describe the action leading to a pattern. For instance, instead of "things started to settle into a pattern", you might write "the routine solidified".

Common error

Avoid using "to settle into a pattern" to describe something that has just begun or hasn't yet shown any real consistency. This phrase implies that a certain level of regularity has been established over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to settle into a pattern" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the process of something becoming regular or predictable over time. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to settle into a pattern" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of something becoming regular or predictable. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from news and media to science and everyday conversation. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates what is becoming regular and that sufficient time has passed for a true pattern to emerge. Alternatives like "establish a routine" or "fall into a rhythm" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, indicating its acceptance in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a routine

Focuses on creating a set sequence of actions regularly followed.

fall into a rhythm

Suggests a natural, flowing adaptation to a recurring activity.

develop a habit

Emphasizes the formation of an automatic behavior.

find a groove

Implies discovering an efficient and comfortable way of operating.

get into the swing of things

Refers to becoming familiar and comfortable with a new situation or task.

become accustomed to a routine

Highlights the process of getting used to a regular set of actions.

find one's stride

Indicates achieving a consistent and effective level of performance.

get the hang of it

Implies learning how to do something effectively after some initial difficulty.

form a regular practice

Stresses the deliberate creation of a consistent, repeated action.

grow into a custom

Suggests a gradual evolution into a standard behavior or way of doing things.

FAQs

How can I use "to settle into a pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "to settle into a pattern" to describe when a behavior, routine, or situation becomes predictable or regular over time. For example: "After a few weeks, the baby "settled into a pattern" of sleeping through the night."

What are some alternatives to "to settle into a pattern"?

Alternatives include "establish a routine", "fall into a rhythm", or "develop a habit". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "to settle into a pattern" in formal writing?

Yes, "to settle into a pattern" is generally suitable for both formal and informal writing, as Ludwig AI confirms. However, in highly formal contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "establish a protocol" or "formalize a procedure".

What does it mean when something is described as having "settled into a pattern"?

It means that the thing in question has become predictable or regular. The initial period of variability or uncertainty is over, and a consistent, repeatable form has emerged.