Pattern: repeated arrangements and behaviour

The idea

Use a pattern for one and patterns for several. A pattern of events or a pattern in data can reveal repetition.

Examples

• The tiles form a repeating pattern.
• We noticed a pattern in the traffic.
• The birds follow a seasonal pattern.
• Her scarf has a pattern of blue circles.
• The data show different patterns over time.
• A single incident does not establish a pattern.

Watch out

Do not say there is pattern: the singular countable noun needs a determiner, as in there is a pattern.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct form. Several ___ appeared in the survey. (pattern / patterns)

   Show answer or example answer

   patterns

   Patterns follows the plural quantity several.

2. Choose the correct form. There is a pattern ___ missed payments. (of / at)

   Show answer or example answer

   of

   Of introduces the repeated missed payments.

3. Choose the correct form. The analyst found a pattern ___ the results. (in / under)

   Show answer or example answer

   in

   In locates the pattern within the results.

Use it today

Describe a pattern you have noticed in your surroundings.