a constant rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a constant rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that occurs at an unchanging speed or frequency over time. Example: "The car was traveling at a constant rate of speed, ensuring a smooth and steady journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Genes, like languages, do not mutate at a constant rate.

The New York Times - Science

"Comparative genomics reveals a constant rate of origination and convergent acquisition of functional retrogenes in Drosophila".

The New York Times

We started to get a constant rate of sales and we started getting repeat customers.

The Guardian

Averaged over a sufficient period, such random changes accumulate at a constant rate in neutral genes.

The Economist

The boy, the specialist concluded, "continues to grow at a constant rate".

The New York Times

The animal that most closely approaches a constant rate of growth is an insect larva.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, a falling body accelerates at a constant rate, g.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Live plants grow at a constant rate.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Moreover, when value increases, it usually does not increase at a constant rate.

TechCrunch

The well is produced at a constant rate q sc.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The reservoir is producing at a constant rate.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes, use "a constant rate" to emphasize stability and predictability. For example, "The experiment was conducted with the solution being added at a constant rate."

Common error

Avoid using "a constant rate" when you actually mean a fixed or unchanging quantity. "Rate" refers to change over time, while "amount" refers to a static quantity. For example, it's incorrect to say "The container held a constant rate of water" when you mean "The container held a constant amount of water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a constant rate" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, describing how something occurs or changes. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its role in specifying the manner of an action or process, indicating that it proceeds at an unchanging speed or frequency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a constant rate" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to describe a steady and unchanging pace of change. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in science and news. While it's essential to distinguish it from "constant amount", understanding its specific connotation allows for more precise and effective communication. When aiming to express stability or predictability in processes, consider using "a constant rate" to convey consistency in the manner of change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steady pace

Changes "rate" to "pace", focusing on the progress or movement aspect.

a uniform speed

Replaces "rate" with "speed" and "constant" with "uniform", emphasizing movement.

a consistent tempo

Uses "tempo" to suggest a musical or rhythmic regularity.

a regular rhythm

Implies a recurring pattern at predictable intervals.

an even flow

Focuses on continuous movement without sudden changes.

a stable level

Shifts from change over time to a fixed quantity or measurement.

a fixed frequency

Highlights the unchanging occurrence of something.

a set amount

Emphasizes a predetermined quantity that does not vary.

an invariant measure

Implies a metric or value that remains unchanged.

a predictable progression

Focuses on the expected development or advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "a constant rate" in a sentence?

Use "a constant rate" to describe something that changes at a steady, unchanging pace. For example: "The machine dispensed the liquid at a constant rate, ensuring consistent results."

What's a good alternative to "a constant rate"?

Consider using alternatives like "a steady pace", "a uniform speed", or "a consistent tempo" depending on the specific context.

Is it always accurate to assume something happens at "a constant rate"?

No, it's important to consider whether the assumption of "a constant rate" is valid in a given situation. Many real-world processes may fluctuate, so this assumption may not always hold true. For example, creatinine is not always produced at "a constant rate".

What does "a constant rate" imply in scientific contexts?

In science, "a constant rate" often signifies a predictable and measurable change over time, which is crucial for modeling and understanding various phenomena. For example, mutations can appear at "a constant rate" per Y chromosome per generation.