trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'trend' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is popular or increasing in popularity. Example sentence: A recent trend in fashion is to wear bright colors.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are even the French finally coming round to the idea that smoking in movies is a dying trend?

The Guardian - Film

An alternative trend emerges among those who have come from the public and voluntary sector, which is dominated by Labour MPs.

The Guardian

On the contrary in fact, with the exception of a Lord Ashcroft poll that has the Conservatives leading by six points, the trend across polls has Labour marginally ahead.

The Guardian

This trend led many observers to believe that the Conservatives were on course to overtake Miliband's party.

The Guardian

What do you think of the trend for big singers collaborating with other big singers?

The Guardian

In 2011 there were 101 methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia, up from 85 in 2010, and preliminary projections for 2012 and 2013 data of up to 170 deaths suggested a continuing trend.

The Guardian

So the most depressing thing about this trend wasn't the narcissism it revealed in celebrities, but the fact that the public cares more about celebrities than pretty much anything else.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

90s remakes We hope The Craft, the latest victim of this trend, is worthy of the original.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a trend that continues in earnest, and not just in Bristol but across the UK.

The Guardian

Striker Davie Dodds left for Neuchatel Xamax of Switzerland, although just four months later he would be back in Scotland with Aberdeen, and just a few weeks into the start of the new season, defender Richard Gough moved to Tottenham for £700,000, bucking the trend at the time that had seen players based in England moving north due to being deprived of European football.

The Guardian - Sport

Giles's move marks a reversal of the trend over the last 18 months of ITV staff moving to the corporation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trend" to describe a general direction or tendency, especially when referring to data or social phenomena. For example, "The trend in the polls has been slowly narrowing all year".

Common error

Avoid assuming a "trend" will last indefinitely. Trends can be fleeting, so be careful not to base long-term decisions solely on current trends. Always consider underlying factors and potential shifts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trend" is as a noun, referring to a general direction, tendency, or current fashion. It can also function as a verb, meaning to develop in a specific direction or to be currently popular. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "trend" functions primarily as a noun to describe a general direction, tendency, or fashion. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in various contexts. Its frequent use across news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions underscores its versatility. While generally neutral in register, "trend" can take on a more formal tone in technical contexts. It's important to be aware that trends can be fleeting and should not be the sole basis for long-term decision-making. Related phrases include "prevailing tendency" and "current vogue". Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing tendency

Emphasizes the dominance or widespread nature of the tendency.

current vogue

Focuses specifically on the fashion or style aspect of a trend.

growing movement

Highlights the dynamic and increasing nature of the trend.

emerging pattern

Suggests that the trend is newly developing and becoming noticeable.

popular inclination

Focuses on widespread preference or leaning.

general direction

Indicates a less specific and more broad sense of movement or inclination.

common drift

Emphasizes a gradual and often unconscious shift in a particular direction.

fashionable style

Highlights trendiness, with a relation to a specific type or design.

increasing propensity

Implies a growing natural inclination or tendency toward something.

developing proclivity

Focuses on something that has started to appear more recently.

FAQs

How can I use "trend" in a sentence?

You can use "trend" to describe a general direction or pattern. For instance, "There is a "trend" for people in films not to smoke".

What's another way to say "trend"?

Alternatives to "trend" include "tendency", "pattern", "vogue", or "style", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "trending" instead of "trend"?

"Trending" is the present participle of the verb "trend", and it describes something that is currently popular or gaining popularity. "Trend" is the noun form referring to the general direction or pattern itself.

What is the difference between "trend" and "fad"?

A "trend" is a general direction or tendency that can last for a while, while a "fad" is a short-lived, intense enthusiasm for something, often seen as less significant or lasting.