a steady flow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady flow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent and uninterrupted movement or progression of something, such as water, traffic, or information. Example: "The river maintained a steady flow throughout the summer, providing a reliable water source for the surrounding wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

And a steady flow continues.

Independent

This began a steady flow of the departing.

The Guardian - Books

The dam's gaping hole attracted a steady flow of gawkers.

The New York Times

Since then, though, JPMorgan won a steady flow of business.

The New York Times

"Russians will have a steady flow of cash for years".

The New York Times

It assures them a steady flow of R.&D.

The New Yorker

In "Neon Glass" a steady flow of steps for Ms. Taylor and Mr. Boyes matched a steady flow of music by Philip Glass.

The New York Times - Arts

"We have a steady flow of research interns who are uncompensated and receive no academic credit.

The New York Times

As the Nationalist forces advanced through Catalonia, a steady flow of refugees headed to France.

The Guardian

Cahill was a menace in a roaming role and there was a steady flow of crosses.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a steady flow of money into high-tech mutual funds, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing consistent processes or supplies, use "a steady flow" to convey reliability and continuity. For example, "The company ensured a steady flow of materials to maintain production."

Common error

Avoid using "a steady flow" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of "a steady flow of water", consider "a consistent stream" or "a continuous trickle" to better reflect the volume and nature of the water.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady flow" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a continuous and consistent movement or supply, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady flow" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a consistent and reliable movement or supply. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and can be replaced with alternatives like "a continuous stream" or "a constant supply" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. To ensure clarity, avoid using "a steady flow" when describing intermittent events. The prevalence of this phrase across authoritative sources highlights its importance in effective communication. The phrase maintains a neutral register which makes it well suited to a variety of communication situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuous stream

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the flow, similar to a river.

a constant supply

Highlights the consistent availability of something, focusing on provision.

a regular influx

Suggests a consistent arrival or entry of something, often used for people or resources.

a sustained current

Implies a continuous and maintained flow, often used in more formal contexts.

an unceasing progression

Emphasizes the relentless and ongoing nature of the movement.

a non-stop procession

Conveys a continuous and orderly movement, similar to a parade.

a persistent trickle

Describes a small but consistent flow, often used when the amount is limited.

an even distribution

Focuses on the balanced and consistent spread of something.

a stable output

Highlights the consistent production or result of a process.

an uninterrupted sequence

Emphasizes the continuous and unbroken order of events or items.

FAQs

How can I use "a steady flow" in a sentence?

You can use "a steady flow" to describe a continuous and consistent movement or supply of something. For example, "The project requires "a steady flow" of funding to succeed."

What are some alternatives to "a steady flow"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a continuous stream", "a constant supply", or "a regular influx".

Is it better to use "a steady flow" or "a continuous flow"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a steady flow" implies consistency and reliability, while "a continuous flow" simply means without interruption. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "a steady flow"?

Avoid using "a steady flow" when describing something that is intermittent or irregular. In such cases, phrases like "occasional bursts" or "sporadic occurrences" may be more suitable.