Patterns were extracted via
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase to sound professional and objective when explaining how you discovered trends in complex information.
In 15 Seconds
- Explains how you found trends in a set of data.
- Uses 'via' to identify the specific tool or method used.
- Best for professional reports, academic writing, and high-level presentations.
Meaning
This phrase describes the process of finding repeating trends or hidden information within a big pile of data. It is like looking at a messy room and figuring out exactly where all the blue socks are hidden.
Key Examples
3 of 6Presenting a marketing report
Consumer buying patterns were extracted via our new CRM software.
We found out what customers buy using our new software.
Explaining a scientific study
Sleep patterns were extracted via wearable sensors during the three-week trial.
We tracked how people slept using watches.
A humorous take on dating apps
Sadly, my dating patterns were extracted via a spreadsheet and the results are grim.
I put my dating history in a list and it looks bad.
Cultural Background
This expression rose to prominence alongside the 'Big Data' revolution of the 2010s. It reflects a Western corporate shift toward 'evidence-based' decision-making where intuition is replaced by algorithmic proof. Interestingly, it is now common in non-tech fields like HR and marketing to sound more authoritative.
The 'Passive' Power
Using 'were extracted' (passive voice) makes you sound more objective. It implies the data spoke for itself, rather than you just having an opinion.
Don't Overuse 'Via'
In one paragraph, try not to use 'via' more than once. Swap it with 'through' or 'using' to keep your writing from sounding like a robot.
In 15 Seconds
- Explains how you found trends in a set of data.
- Uses 'via' to identify the specific tool or method used.
- Best for professional reports, academic writing, and high-level presentations.
What It Means
Imagine you have a thousand customer reviews. You read them all and realize most people love the color blue. You just performed extraction. Patterns were extracted via is a fancy way to say you found specific trends. You used a specific tool or method to find them. It turns raw, messy information into clear, useful insights. It is the bridge between 'lots of numbers' and 'a smart conclusion.'
How To Use It
Use this when you want to sound like a data pro. You start with the result: the patterns. Then you use via to name your tool. You might say via software or via manual review. It sounds passive because the focus is on the data, not you. It is perfect for reports where you want to look objective. Think of it as showing your work in a math class. You are telling people exactly how you got your answer.
When To Use It
This is your best friend in professional settings. Use it in a quarterly business review. Use it when explaining a marketing strategy to your boss. It works great in academic papers or science projects. Even in a serious meeting about office habits, it fits. If you are talking about big data, use it often. It makes you sound organized and methodical. It shows you didn't just 'guess' the results.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual Friday happy hour. If you say this while picking a pizza, people will stare. 'Patterns were extracted via my hunger' sounds like a robot wrote it. Avoid it in emotional heart-to-hearts with friends. It is too cold for personal stories. If the process was just a quick glance, don't use it. It implies a deep, careful search. Using it for simple things makes you sound overly academic.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of 'Big Data' and 'Machine Learning.' In the early 2000s, this language stayed in labs. Now, every business wants to be 'data-driven.' Because of this, tech-speak has moved into the general office. It reflects a culture that prizes logic over gut feelings. It shows we value evidence and 'scientific' proof in our decisions. It is the language of the digital age.
Common Variations
Trends were identified through(slightly softer)Insights were pulled from(more modern and punchy)Data was analyzed using(very standard and safe)Themes emerged via(good for interviews or soft data)Patterns were mapped out by(more visual and creative)
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it in written reports or formal presentations to establish authority. Avoid it in casual conversation unless you are being intentionally ironic or humorous.
The 'Passive' Power
Using 'were extracted' (passive voice) makes you sound more objective. It implies the data spoke for itself, rather than you just having an opinion.
Don't Overuse 'Via'
In one paragraph, try not to use 'via' more than once. Swap it with 'through' or 'using' to keep your writing from sounding like a robot.
The 'Data-Driven' Flex
In Western business culture, using this phrase is a 'flex' (showing off). It tells people you are a modern worker who understands technology and logic.
Examples
6Consumer buying patterns were extracted via our new CRM software.
We found out what customers buy using our new software.
Focuses on the tool used for the analysis.
Sleep patterns were extracted via wearable sensors during the three-week trial.
We tracked how people slept using watches.
Standard academic usage for methodology.
Sadly, my dating patterns were extracted via a spreadsheet and the results are grim.
I put my dating history in a list and it looks bad.
Uses formal language for a silly personal situation.
The error patterns were extracted via the logs, so we know what's wrong.
We found the bugs by looking at the computer records.
Short and efficient for workplace communication.
Isolation patterns were extracted via social media usage stats during the lockdown.
We saw how lonely people were by looking at their phone use.
Used to discuss serious societal issues with data.
In my last role, efficiency patterns were extracted via time-tracking audits.
I found ways to work faster by checking our schedules.
Shows the candidate is analytical and detail-oriented.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the professional methodology statement.
User behavior patterns were ___ via heat-map analysis on the website.
'Extracted' is the most appropriate academic and professional term for pulling insights from data.
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition used in this formal expression.
Key financial patterns were extracted ___ a deep dive into the quarterly ledgers.
While 'by' is grammatically okay, 'via' is the standard high-level preposition for this specific phrase.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Patterns were extracted via'
I saw a trend...
I noticed we always eat tacos on Tuesday.
We found some patterns...
We found patterns in the sales data.
Patterns were extracted via...
Patterns were extracted via statistical modeling.
Where to use this expression
Business Report
Explaining sales growth.
Academic Paper
Describing research results.
Tech Meeting
Debugging a system error.
Job Interview
Describing your analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to carefully pull something out of a larger, complex mass. In this context, it's about pulling 'meaning' out of 'raw data' like Patterns were extracted via software.
In formal writing, via sounds more sophisticated. However, using is perfectly fine for emails or casual meetings.
Yes, but it sounds clinical. If you say Her behavior patterns were extracted via observation, it sounds like you are a detective or a scientist.
It depends on the recipient. For a client or a boss, it is perfect. For a work friend, it might be a bit too stiff.
A pattern is a repeating sequence, while a trend is a general direction. You can use this phrase for both: Trends were extracted via....
Yes, that is active voice. It’s better if you want to take credit for the work, like in a performance review: I extracted patterns via manual coding.
Common ones include algorithm, software, statistical analysis, interviews, or observation.
No! You can extract patterns from words (text analysis) or even images. For example, Visual patterns were extracted via AI.
Absolutely. It is a classic 'C1 level' phrase that will impress your professors because it shows you know academic conventions.
Only if it's a formal presentation. If you're giving a wedding toast, definitely avoid it!
Related Phrases
Data mining
The practice of examining large databases to generate new information.
Through the lens of
To look at something from a specific perspective or method.
Sifted through
To examine something thoroughly to find the most important parts.
Distilled from
To take the essential parts out of a large amount of information.
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