a steady girlfriend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady girlfriend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a girlfriend with whom someone has a stable and ongoing romantic relationship. Example: "After dating casually for a few months, she finally became his steady girlfriend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He had a steady girlfriend.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bobby: You have a steady girlfriend?

The New Yorker

I have a steady girlfriend, too!

The New Yorker

He was estranged from his ex-wife, and I knew he didn't have a steady girlfriend.

The New Yorker

And within a couple of months he had a steady girlfriend.

The New Yorker

(He has a steady girlfriend, played, in her film debut, by Karen Allen).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ben already has a sweet, very steady girlfriend, Amy (Ms. Appleby), but the beguiling Madison has a way, and before you know it she's in the pool with him, minus most of her clothing.

The New York Times

Being a DJ's steady girlfriend sucks so hard, that having your name on a few guest lists every other weekend can only compensate for the hardships if you turn a blind eye to reality.

Vice

Being a DJ's steady girlfriend sucks so hard.

Vice

The objects of his affection include his own steady girlfriend, a female colleague, the colleague's brother, a prison-bound male client and the client's girlfriend.

The New York Times - Arts

LIKE many considerate boyfriends, Ed Vessel, a cognitive neuroscientist who lives in Brooklyn, bought a toothbrush for his steady girlfriend Diana Adams to keep at his apartment when she sleeps over.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady girlfriend" when you want to emphasize the stability and consistency of a romantic relationship.

Common error

While "a steady girlfriend" is generally acceptable, it can sound too casual in formal or professional writing. Opt for terms like "partner" or "long-term relationship" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady girlfriend" functions as a noun phrase, where "steady" is an adjective modifying the noun "girlfriend". It describes a specific type of romantic relationship characterized by stability and consistency. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a steady girlfriend" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a stable and ongoing romantic relationship. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used in News & Media. While generally acceptable, its informality might make alternatives like "long-term partner" more appropriate in formal settings. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase effectively conveys the stability and commitment within a relationship, making it a useful descriptor in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a long-term girlfriend

Emphasizes the duration of the relationship.

a committed girlfriend

Highlights the dedication and investment in the relationship.

a serious girlfriend

Indicates the relationship is significant and not casual.

a regular girlfriend

Focuses on the consistent presence of the girlfriend in one's life.

a stable relationship

Shifts the focus from the person to the state of the romantic connection.

a devoted girlfriend

Highlights the girlfriend's loyalty and affection.

a loving partner

Uses more general term 'partner' and emphasizes affection.

an ongoing relationship

Focuses solely on continuity, without implying the quality.

a significant other

A broader and more generic term for a romantic partner.

a girlfriend

Simplifies the expression, omitting the adjective "steady".

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a steady girlfriend"?

Having "a steady girlfriend" means being in a stable, committed, and ongoing romantic relationship with someone. It implies a level of consistency and seriousness beyond casual dating.

What can I say instead of "a steady girlfriend"?

You can use alternatives like "a long-term girlfriend", "a committed girlfriend", or "a serious girlfriend" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a steady girlfriend"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The adjective "steady" modifies the noun "girlfriend" to describe the nature of the relationship.

How formal is the term "a steady girlfriend"?

The term is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal contexts, it might be better to use phrases like "a long-term partner" or "a committed relationship".