underlying trends

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underlying trends" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing patterns or movements that are not immediately visible but influence a situation or outcome over time. Example: "The underlying trends in consumer behavior indicate a shift towards more sustainable products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The underlying trends are good.

The Economist

Underlying trends, however, pointed to systemic failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The general upturn masks diverse underlying trends.

The Economist

The underlying trends are not good.

Independent

"But the underlying trends at the company are good.

The New York Times

Productivity is volatile, making underlying trends hard to discern.

The Economist

Despite the closeness of the race, there were underlying trends that appear to favor Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

Willis Towers Watson indicates that underlying trends continue to point to further rate increases in 2016.

The Guardian - Business

There is a strong case for regarding the underlying trends more positively.

The Guardian

We remain positive on Pace as the underlying trends in digital TV continue to propel the company forward".

The Guardian - Business

But if you look beyond this month's headline figure and set politics aside, the underlying trends are encouraging.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing data, look beyond surface-level fluctuations to identify the "underlying trends" that provide a clearer picture of long-term developments. Use moving averages or regression analysis to smooth out noise and reveal these deeper patterns.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two "underlying trends" coincide, one necessarily causes the other. Always seek evidence of a causal link, and consider potential confounding factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying trends" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the fundamental, often unseen, patterns or movements that influence a situation or dataset. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying trends" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to the fundamental patterns or movements influencing a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is descriptive and analytical, aiming to reveal long-term shifts beneath surface-level noise. Predominantly found in news, science, and business contexts, the phrase is crucial for informed decision-making and forecasting. When using this phrase, it's important to distinguish between correlation and causation and employ appropriate analytical techniques to accurately identify these trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental patterns

Focuses on the basic or essential nature of the trends.

basic tendencies

Emphasizes inherent inclinations or directions.

core dynamics

Highlights the forces that drive change or stability.

hidden currents

Suggests trends that are not immediately obvious but still influential.

latent developments

Focuses on changes that are currently present but not yet fully realized.

structural shifts

Highlights changes in the fundamental organization or framework.

root causes

Emphasizes the foundational elements driving specific outcomes.

driving forces

Highlights the elements that propel or motivate a process or situation.

inherent biases

Focuses on systematic tendencies toward certain outcomes.

intrinsic movements

Emphasizes changes arising from the essential nature of something.

FAQs

How can I identify "underlying trends" in data?

To identify "underlying trends", use techniques like moving averages, regression analysis, or time series decomposition to filter out short-term fluctuations and reveal long-term patterns.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "underlying trends"?

You can use alternatives such as "fundamental patterns", "basic tendencies", or "core dynamics" depending on the specific context.

Why is it important to analyze "underlying trends"?

Analyzing "underlying trends" is crucial for making informed decisions, forecasting future outcomes, and understanding the long-term implications of current events or policies. It helps to see past temporary noise and focus on lasting shifts.

What's the difference between "underlying trends" and superficial fluctuations?

"Underlying trends" represent long-term, sustained movements or patterns, whereas superficial fluctuations are short-term variations or noise that may obscure the true direction. Analyzing trends involves filtering out these fluctuations to reveal the more significant, lasting patterns.