trends

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'trends' is correct and is used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the general direction in which something is developing or changing, or a prevailing tendency or inclination, especially one that is evolving or popular. For example: "Recent trends indicate that the stock market is primed for a significant rebound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Business

Tech

Music

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this month's podcast, we'll look at forced labour and the role of international conventions in offering protection; the realities of working on the frontline against slavery; some of the trends in the anti-slavery movement; and the Centre of Social Justice report into the failures of the UK government to address human trafficking.

The Guardian

Book now Click here for alternative dates – July Click here for alternative dates – September Click here for alternative dates – October A good infographic is the picture that's worth 10,000 words, capable of exploding preconceptions or making instant sense of complex trends.

The Guardian

On current trends, says Filiu, there will be 5,000 by the summer and possibly 10,000 by the autumn.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jacobs had retained a fascination with the duo ever since seeing the video to U.G.L.Y and wondering who these two sparky girls were, having so much fun while sounding completely out of step with the musical trends of the time.

The Guardian - Music

Whether Australia is ready or not, our economy will be reshaped by these trends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some are consultants to large companies, offering advice on the way that trends like 3D printing or flying robots will change their sector.

The Guardian - Tech

Easier is to go soft and T-shirty on top, which heads off the stout-matron effect you get with a jacket and makes you look relaxed in an "Oh, I wear surprising trends all the time" kind of way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Identify trends and look out for new opportunities In a competitive world your organisation will be seeking new projects, so if you notice a gap in the market make sure to let people know.

The Guardian

Introducing pre-moderation, for instance, would easily prevent abuse; but would also cost a lot, and remove a lot of value advertisers see in the service, as they would no longer be able to seize on trends for "rapid response" advertising.

The Guardian - Tech

In terms of trends it now appears that the DUP will be the largest party and Sinn Féin in second place.

The Guardian

While the long-term trends in North Sea production are clear, it is possible that the decline in productivity in business services will recover as demand increases.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "trends", provide specific data or examples to support your claims and enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating "trends" without providing context or evidence. Ensure your analysis is specific and supported by data to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trends" is as a plural noun, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, "trends" refers to general directions in which something is developing or changing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Books

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "trends" functions as a plural noun used to describe patterns or shifts across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Business, and Science contexts, reflecting its broad applicability in analyzing data and behaviors. To use "trends" effectively, it's crucial to provide specific context and supporting data to avoid overgeneralizations. Remember to consider the neutrality of "trends" and specify whether they have positive or negative implications based on the context. Ludwig's examples and the related phrases above provide ample guidance for precise and effective use of "trends" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevailing tendencies

Focuses on current inclinations rather than broader shifts.

current patterns

Emphasizes observable arrangements at present.

emerging fashions

Highlights new styles that are gaining popularity.

developing inclinations

Stresses the ongoing formation of preferences.

growing movements

Indicates expanding collective actions or beliefs.

shifting dynamics

Highlights changing forces or interactions.

evolving landscapes

Focuses on gradual transformations in a field or area.

new waves

Suggests fresh and influential developments.

market inclinations

Refers specifically to preferences within a market context.

popular vogues

Emphasizes widespread acceptance and temporary popularity.

FAQs

How can I use "trends" in a sentence?

You can use "trends" to describe patterns or directions in data, behavior, or popularity. For example, "The latest "market trends" indicate a shift towards sustainable products".

What's the difference between "trends" and "tendencies"?

"Trends" often refer to current or emerging patterns, while "tendencies" are more general inclinations or predispositions. "Trends" are more time-sensitive and observable, while tendencies can be underlying and less obvious.

What can I say instead of "trends"?

You can use alternatives like "prevailing tendencies", "current patterns", or "emerging fashions" depending on the specific context.

Are "trends" always positive or negative?

"Trends" themselves are neutral; their implications depend on the specific context. You can have positive "trends" like increasing adoption of renewable energy or negative ones like rising levels of air pollution. The key is to analyze the effects of the "trends" being observed.