a steady rate of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady rate of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a consistent or unchanging speed or frequency of an event or process. Example: "The car was moving at a steady rate of 60 miles per hour throughout the journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

In 2005, France's sweet and savory snack market was found to be growing at a steady rate of 3 percent a year; a Department of Agriculture report advised U.S. manufacturers that in France "strong growth opportunities do exist for breakfast bars, nuts, chips/crisps and extruded snacks" (extruded being the technical term for shaped snacks, like Cheetos).

The New York Times - Magazine

According to recent analysis by investment bank Morgan Stanley, the value of real estate in the country's most affluent and sought-after postcodes has been plunging at a steady rate of eight percent a year.

Vice

Today, only the Mexico plant continues to build the Beetle, at a steady rate of 40,000 a year, selling for around $7,000 each.

The New York Times

As a result, an investor wanting to buy or sell shares should be able to do so at any time at a steady rate of $10 each.

The New York Times

Monetarism thus posited that the steady, moderate growth of the money supply could in many cases ensure a steady rate of economic growth with low inflation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The construction of new antennas grows at a steady rate of 12percentt a year; meanwhile, communities have become even less willing to have them placed on their streets and in their backyards.

The New York Times - Magazine

GTA: Liberty City Stories (£4.99) Old Grand Theft Auto games are being ported to mobile at a steady rate of one a year, with the latest on Android being Liberty City Stories.

The Guardian - Tech

It won its first investment-grade credit ratings in more than a decade in late 2011 and early 2012, and its gross domestic product has expanded at a steady rate of more than 6 percent for the last three years.

The New York Times

Between the clever setups and the payoffs, which stand up like fence posts in an Iowa cornfield and are sometimes visible from one another, King sticks to his plowing, amassing scenes and incidents at a steady rate of one per furrow, before turning back and doing it again.

The New York Times - Books

The economy has been doing well — it survived the world's 2008 financial crisis virtually untouched, multinationals have been flocking here and its gross domestic product has expanded at a steady rate of more than 6 percent for the last three years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or processes, use "a steady rate of" to convey stability and predictability in the change or progression. For instance, "The company experienced a steady rate of growth in sales throughout the year."

Common error

Avoid using "a steady rate of" when the situation involves rapid or fluctuating changes. "Steady" implies consistency, which is inappropriate for describing volatility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady rate of" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate a consistent or unchanging pace, frequency, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady rate of" is a versatile phrase used to describe consistency and predictability in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its utility across scientific, news, and business domains. When writing, ensure that the term accurately reflects the stability of the process or trend you're describing, avoiding its use when volatility is present. Alternatives like ""a consistent pace of"" or ""a constant speed of"" may offer nuanced substitutes depending on the specific emphasis desired. With its widespread usage and clear communicative purpose, mastering "a steady rate of" enhances the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent pace of

This emphasizes the regularity and evenness of the progression.

a stable tempo of

This emphasizes the stable rhythm or pace.

a constant speed of

This emphasizes the unchanging velocity or rapidity.

a gradual progression of

This emphasizes the slow and continuous nature of the development.

a uniform tempo of

Highlights the unvarying nature of the rhythm.

a regular frequency of

This highlights the consistent recurrence of something.

a continuous stream of

Implies an uninterrupted flow or succession.

a sustained level of

Focuses on maintaining a particular quantity or degree over time.

a predictable increment of

Emphasizes the expected and consistent increase.

a measured advance of

Highlights the deliberate and controlled nature of the progression.

FAQs

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

Use "a steady rate of" to describe consistent progression or change. For example, "The project advanced at "a steady rate of" completion, ensuring timely delivery".

What are some alternatives to "a steady rate of"?

Alternatives include "a consistent pace of", "a stable tempo of", or "a constant speed of" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "an un-steady rate of"?

While grammatically valid, "an un-steady rate of" is less common. Consider alternatives like "a fluctuating rate" or "a variable rate" to better convey inconsistency.

How does "a steady rate of" differ from "a high rate of"?

"A steady rate of" implies consistency, while "a high rate of" simply indicates a large quantity or rapid pace, without necessarily implying consistency. Therefore, use "a steady rate of" when consistency is important.