a steady patter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady patter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent, rhythmic sound, often associated with rain or footsteps. Example: "As I sat by the window, I listened to the steady patter of raindrops against the glass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Intermittently, at first; then a steady patter.

The New York Times

She maintains a steady patter of conversation with Him.

The New York Times - Books

From his mouth came a steady patter: promotion, self-deprecation, deadpan rhyming verse.

The New Yorker

Lenny kept up a steady patter of Seinfeldian shtick — about the heat, about green algae, about my driving.

The New York Times

But the charts are never complete, and the telex machine on the bridge kept up a steady patter of warnings.

The New Yorker

And many of her characters are, by their nature, annoying, like Penelope, a hair-twirling nudge who one-ups everyone with a trailing voice and a steady patter of increasingly surreal tall tales.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Between songs, she kept up a steady, intimate patter, at one point telling the audience, "This is a transitional period for me.

The New Yorker

Kenny and I take the front seat; Jimmy prefers the back, where he can keep up a steady conversational patter and dandle Princess, a 2-year-old pug with bulging black eyes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Harriott, who has one television program in Britain and another filmed in New York and shown in the United States, is a chef in high gear, enlisting audience and celebrity assistants to work on salads, whip up a marinade, sear chicken and somehow assemble a dish while keeping up a steady, energetic patter.

The New York Times - Food

We woke the next morning to the steady patter of rain on our tent — not a big surprise in a region where it rains an average 250 days a year, but a gentle reminder that the trip wouldn't be all moonlit walks and cute marsupials.

The New York Times - Travel

Raye Lankford, who writes for the PBS animated series "Arthur," kept up a steady stream of patter through a bullhorn, veering from invective ("Who caused this problem? Mitchell Kriegman! Who can solve this problem? Mitchell Kriegman!") to pathos ("We're sending you love, Mitchell, because, obviously, you didn't get it as a child").

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady patter" to create a sense of atmosphere, especially when describing weather or background noise in writing. The phrase evokes a gentle yet persistent sound.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady patter" to describe visual phenomena or actions that lack a rhythmic or repetitive auditory element. This phrase is best suited for sounds.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady patter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig shows its usage across contexts, effectively describing consistent, rhythmic sounds or actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady patter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that evokes a sense of continuous, rhythmic sound or activity. Ludwig confirms its versatile application, primarily in News & Media contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use it accurately, particularly in contexts where a rhythmic or repetitive auditory element is present. While some options may be considered such as "constant drumming", "continuous tapping", or "uninterrupted drizzle" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constant drumming

Focuses on the rhythmic sound aspect, similar to a continuous drumming noise.

continuous tapping

Emphasizes a light, repetitive sound, similar to a sequence of taps.

uninterrupted drizzle

Specifically relates to a light rain that does not cease.

rhythmic cadence

Highlights the regularity and flow of a sound or speech.

ceaseless murmur

Suggests a low, indistinct, but continuous sound.

incessant babble

Implies a constant flow of speech, often rapid and difficult to understand.

persistent trickle

Describes a small, continuous flow of liquid or information.

relentless clicking

Highlights a repetitive clicking sound that does not stop.

sustained drone

Conveys a continuous, monotonous humming sound.

unwavering stream

Refers to a consistent and unbroken flow, either literal or figurative.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady patter" to describe a continuous, rhythmic sound, like "The roof was echoing with a steady patter of rain."

What are some alternatives to "a steady patter"?

Alternatives include "constant drumming", "continuous tapping", or "uninterrupted drizzle", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a steady patter" to describe speech?

Yes, "a steady patter" can describe speech, implying a continuous flow of conversation, as in, "He maintained a steady patter of jokes throughout the evening."

What kind of imagery does "a steady patter" evoke?

"A steady patter" typically evokes a calming, rhythmic sound, often associated with rain or light, repetitive tapping, suggesting persistence and continuity.