Trends were identified

This phrase uses the passive voice. This is a fancy way of saying the focus is on the discovery, not the person who made it. You will almost always see it in the past tense because the analysis is already done. It sounds very objective and neutral. If you want to sound like a serious professional, this is your go-to phrase. Just drop it into a sentence after you have looked at some numbers or feedback.

Use this in a quarterly business review or a research paper. It is perfect for meetings when you need to explain why the company is changing direction. You can also use it when discussing social media analytics or market research. It tells your audience, "I have evidence for what I am saying." It is the language of experts and analysts.

Do not use this when talking about your personal feelings or simple daily tasks. Saying trends were identified in my craving for tacos sounds like a robot wrote your diary. Avoid it in casual texts unless you are being intentionally ironic. It is too heavy for a quick chat with a friend about what movie to watch. Keep it for situations where data or observations are involved.

This phrase comes from the world of statistics and scientific methodology. In Western professional culture, there is a huge emphasis on being 'data-driven.' Being able to identify a trend is a highly valued skill in the workplace. It suggests you are analytical, observant, and forward-thinking. It is the verbal equivalent of a clean, professional spreadsheet.

You might hear people say patterns were observed or shifts were noted. If you want to be more active and less formal, you can say we spotted some trends. In a more academic setting, you might see correlations were found. All of these carry a similar meaning but vary slightly in their level of intensity and formality.