unpredictable pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpredictable pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sequence or trend that does not follow a consistent or expected course. Example: "The weather this season has shown an unpredictable pattern, making it difficult to plan outdoor events."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Anniversaries are like that, and yet the memory of September 18th , 1931is subject to change within China, flaring up and settling down in an unpredictable pattern.

The Economist

These sediment areas exhibit an irregular and unpredictable pattern of emersion and flooding as a function of the prevailing wind direction and speed.

Journal of Marine Systems

NEWPORT, Wales -- Continuing the unpredictable pattern he established with his final captain's pick last month, the United States Ryder Cup captain, Corey Pavin, cracked open some surprises at the Ryder Cup opening ceremonies on Thursday.

The New York Times

In contrast and despite wrenching economic changes, Russia from 1991 through 1996, at least, offers the picture of a surprisingly stable electorate in which the flow of votes across elections from one party or candidate to the next follows a coherent and not altogether unpredictable pattern.

Communist and Post-Communist Studies

Fig. 15 Sample prediction results (unpredictable pattern).

Journal of Cloud Computing

Otherwise the workload has unpredictable pattern.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In "A Geography of Risk" Ms. Isaacs made dancers fling themselves about in fascinatingly unpredictable patterns.

The New York Times - Arts

The lithe dancers were constantly twisting and turning, speeding and slowing and crossing the stage in unpredictable patterns.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the course of the exhibition, this sheathing has been drying, contracting, cracking, and falling from the walls in unpredictable patterns.

The New Yorker

The harbor patrol in their boats and the heavily armed "Hercules" teams in their armored sport-utility vehicles constantly roam the city in unpredictable patterns.

The New York Times

In addition, the experiment also helped Sernapesca redesign its primary activity, enforcing fishing regulation, based on the evidence of the value of unpredictable patterns of enforcement.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex systems, use "unpredictable pattern" to convey the inherent difficulty in forecasting future states based on past observations. For instance, "The stock market has displayed an "unpredictable pattern" recently, confounding analysts."

Common error

Avoid attributing agency or intent to events described as an "unpredictable pattern". Saying "The weather is deliberately following an "unpredictable pattern"" implies a conscious actor when randomness is the more likely explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpredictable pattern" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to characterize something that does not follow an expected or easily discernible sequence or arrangement. As Ludwig suggests, the phrase is considered to be grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unpredictable pattern" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe sequences or trends that lack predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it conveys the erratic nature of various phenomena. When using the phrase, ensure not to attribute agency to randomness and consider alternatives like "erratic sequence" or "inconsistent trend" for nuanced descriptions. With a solid expert rating and clear usage guidelines, "unpredictable pattern" is a valuable addition to your descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseeable sequence

Highlights the impossibility of predicting the sequence, emphasizing its unexpected nature.

erratic sequence

Focuses on the erratic nature of the sequence, emphasizing its lack of predictability.

inconsistent trend

Highlights the inconsistency of the trend, suggesting a departure from established norms.

unstable trend

Highlights that the trend is prone to variations, not steady.

irregular rhythm

Emphasizes the lack of a regular, repeating structure, implying a deviation from a standard beat.

variable order

Focuses on the changing and fluctuating nature of the order, without adherence to a fixed rule.

sporadic arrangement

Underscores the scattered and inconsistent distribution, highlighting the absence of a discernible order.

capricious order

Implies that the order is subject to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.

haphazard order

Indicates a lack of planning or direction in the ordering of elements.

random distribution

Focuses on the element of chance, suggesting that the distribution is not governed by any discernible rule.

FAQs

How can I use "unpredictable pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "unpredictable pattern" to describe something that doesn't follow a consistent or expected course. For example, "The disease showed an "unpredictable pattern" of remission and relapse."

What are some alternatives to "unpredictable pattern"?

Some alternatives include "erratic sequence", "inconsistent trend", or "irregular rhythm", depending on the specific context.

Is "unpredictable pattern" grammatically correct?

Yes, "unpredictable pattern" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "unpredictable pattern" and "random pattern"?

"Unpredictable pattern" suggests a lack of clear predictability, while "random pattern" implies the absence of any discernible order or system. While related, "random pattern" emphasizes complete chance, whereas "unpredictable pattern" may simply mean not easily foreseen.