a steady rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or unchanging speed or frequency of an action or process. Example: "The population of the city has been growing at a steady rate over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And business is still growing, at a steady rate of 5percentto10percentcent a year.

The New York Times

Consumption rises at a steady rate, while production stays flat.

The New Yorker

Eating three normal meals keeps it at a steady rate.

Independent

Of course, the economy has been creating jobs at a steady rate since the Obama Administration.

The New Yorker

IN OTHER places sand trickles through an hourglass at a steady rate.

The Economist

That is far more than would be expected if differences accumulate at a steady rate.

The Economist

Fortunately for Smith, he hits those shots at a steady rate.

The New York Times - Sports

Pakistan captains have come and gone at a steady rate over the years.

Independent

The economy continues to grow at a steady rate (projected at 6.5% for 2000).

The Economist

This region has been losing employers at a steady rate, and well-paid jobs are getting scarce.

The New York Times

Revelations come at a steady rate thanks to expertly rationed use of flashbacks (something Lindelof perfected on Lost).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing growth or decline, use "a steady rate" to convey consistency and predictability. For instance, "The company's profits increased at a steady rate over the fiscal year."

Common error

Avoid using "a steady rate" when you actually mean a fast or accelerating pace. "Steady" implies consistency, while "rapid" indicates speed and quick changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady rate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the manner in which something progresses or changes over time, emphasizing its consistency and uniformity. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steady rate" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that describes a consistent and predictable progression or change over time. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that it accurately reflects the intended meaning of consistency rather than speed or acceleration. Alternatives such as "a consistent pace" or "a stable tempo" can be used to add nuance or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent pace

Emphasizes the continuous and uniform nature of the rate.

a stable tempo

Focuses on the stability and regularity of the rate.

an even keel

Metaphorically suggests maintaining a balanced and constant rate.

a constant rhythm

Highlights the rhythmic and predictable aspect of the rate.

a uniform measure

Stresses the standardization and consistency in measurement.

a regular tempo

Emphasizes the consistent and predictable pattern of the rate.

a continuous flow

Highlights the uninterrupted and ongoing nature of the rate.

a balanced progression

Suggests a harmonious and even advancement.

a measured advance

Indicates a careful and controlled forward movement.

a gradual increase

Focuses on the slow and steady growth aspect of the rate.

FAQs

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

Use "a steady rate" to describe something progressing or changing consistently over time. For example, "The population grew at "a steady rate" each year".

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a consistent pace", "a stable tempo", or "a constant rate" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a steady rate of decline"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. "A steady rate of decline" indicates that something is decreasing or diminishing consistently over time, such as "The company experienced "a steady rate of decline" in sales".

What is the difference between "a steady rate" and "a constant rate"?

While both phrases indicate consistency, ""a steady rate"" suggests stability and evenness, whereas "a constant rate" implies an unchanging value or speed. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the evenness or the lack of variation.