Academic Pattern: -ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다 (Shows A Pattern Of)

This grammar is built by combining a noun-modifying form with the word 양상 (aspect/appearance) and the verb 보이다 (to show). Essentially, you are turning a whole action or description into a noun phrase. You take a verb or adjective, add the appropriate -ㄴ/은/는 ending, and then drop in 양상을 보이다. It acts as a wrapper around your main idea. This structure tells your listener that you aren't just stating a random fact. You are pointing out a consistent trend or a specific way something is appearing right now. It adds a layer of objective observation. Imagine you are a scientist looking through a microscope. You aren't just saying what you see; you are describing the *way* it is behaving. It turns a simple statement into a professional observation. Don't worry, it looks harder than it actually is to build!

1. 1For Verbs (Present Tense): Attach -는 to the verb stem, then add 양상을 보이다. For example, 증가하다 (to increase) becomes 증가하는 양상을 보이다.
2. 2For Verbs (Past Tense): Attach -ㄴ/은 to the verb stem, then add 양상을 보이다. 감소했다 (decreased) becomes 감소한 양상을 보이다.
3. 3For Adjectives: Attach -ㄴ/은 to the adjective stem. 뚜렷하다 (to be clear) becomes 뚜렷한 양상을 보이다.
4. 4For Nouns: Use the form noun + 인 양상을 보이다. This is like saying 'showing the aspect of being [noun].'
5. 5Irregular Check: If your verb stem ends in ㄹ, drop the ㄹ before adding -는. For example, 만들다 becomes 만드는 양상을 보이다. Think of it like a grammar tax—you have to pay one letter to get the fancy meaning!

This pattern is a staple in academic writing, news reports, and formal presentations. Use it when you are describing statistical changes, like the economy growing or prices falling. It is also great for describing psychological or social behaviors. For instance, if you are writing a report on how teenagers use smartphones, you’d use this to describe their habits. It’s also very useful in job interviews. Instead of saying "I work hard," you could say your performance "shows a pattern of consistent growth." That sounds much more professional, right? You’ll also see this in newspaper headlines frequently. It’s the go-to choice for journalists who need to remain objective and analytical. Use it whenever you want to step back and look at the 'big picture' of a situation.

Do not use this with your friends or family at dinner! If you say to your mom, "The stew shows a pattern of being salty," she might think you’ve been reading too many textbooks. It is far too stiff for daily conversation. Avoid using it in casual text messages or when ordering food at a restaurant. It’s also not meant for one-time, sudden actions. For example, if someone trips on the street, you wouldn't say they 'showed a pattern of falling.' That would sound like they trip professionally for a living! This grammar is for repeated actions or ongoing states, not quick bursts of activity. If you use it in the wrong place, it’s like wearing a tuxedo to the beach—you’ll stand out, but for the wrong reasons. Keep it for your serious 'office' brain.

One big mistake is forgetting the space between the modifier and 양상. It is 는 양상, not 는양상. Another frequent error is using it for personal feelings. You shouldn't say "I show a pattern of being happy." Usually, this grammar is used for third-person observations or data. Also, watch out for the tense! Learners often use the present -는 when they should use the past -은. If the data is from last year, make sure you use the past form. Some people also try to use it with 없다 or 있다 incorrectly. While you can say 있는 양상을 보이다, it's often better to use a more specific verb. Lastly, don't forget that 보이다 needs to be conjugated at the very end of the sentence (like 보입니다 or 보여요). It’s a common 'brain fart' to stop at 양상 and forget the verb!

How is this different from -는 것 같다 (it seems like)? Well, -는 것 같다 is an opinion or a guess. -ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다 is based on observation and evidence. It’s much more certain and formal. What about -는 추세이다 (to be a trend)? That specifically focuses on the *direction* of movement (going up or down). 양상 is broader; it can describe any 'look' or 'style' of behavior, not just a trend line. Then there is -는 모양이다 (it looks like). This is used for visual deduction, like seeing wet ground and thinking it rained. 양상을 보이다 is much more 'science-y.' Think of -는 것 같다 as a casual chat with a neighbor, and 양상을 보이다 as a peer-reviewed journal article. They might say similar things, but the 'vibe' is totally different.