general pattern
noun phraseUK /ˈdʒɛn.ər.əl ˈpæt.ən/
US /ˈdʒɛn.ɚ.əl ˈpæt.ɚn/
A general pattern is the usual way something happens most of the time.
The general pattern is that it rains more in the spring than in the winter.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A broad design or shape that repeats in many places.
The wallpaper has a general pattern of small blue flowers.
3. The main idea that connects many separate facts or events.
Looking at all the tests, a general pattern of improvement appeared.
4. A shared way of doing something across a whole group.
There is a general pattern of behavior that most players follow.