a steady source

USAGE SUMMARY

'a steady source' is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
Example sentence: She relied on a steady source of income to pay her bills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are retired people with a steady source of income.

The New York Times

It would give them a steady source of revenue.

The Economist

My linguistic mistakes were a steady source of amusement on the playground.

The New York Times

Advances in cardiology have been a steady source of profits for medical device makers.

The New York Times

But Coventry's performances in the pool have been a steady source of good news for Zimbabwe.

The New York Times - Sports

In previous generations, immigration fueled industrial growth, providing a steady source of unskilled and eager workers.

The New York Times

His work in the theatre nevertheless remained a steady source of inspiration.

Britannica

Ben-Naim, E. & Krapivsky, P. L. Fragmentation with a steady source.

Nature

He mans one of the cameras here, and is a steady source of emotional support.

The New York Times - Arts

Eni's stake in Saipem has provided the oil company with a steady source of earnings.

The New York Times

They may be irksome, but governments seldom abandon a steady source of taxes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a steady source", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being steadily sourced. For example, specify "a steady source of income" or "a steady source of information" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady source" without specifying what the source provides. Vague uses can confuse readers; always clarify the specific benefit or resource the source offers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady source" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that provides a continuous and reliable supply of something else. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady source" is a versatile and frequently used noun phrase indicating reliability and consistency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what is being sourced. Alternatives include ""a reliable origin"" or ""a consistent provider"", though the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common contexts, you can effectively incorporate "a steady source" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliable origin

Focuses on the dependability of the origin rather than the continuity of the supply.

a consistent provider

Highlights the role of the entity offering the source, emphasizing consistency.

a stable generator

Emphasizes the aspect of continuous creation or production.

a dependable resource

Focuses on the trustworthiness and availability of the resource.

a constant supplier

Similar to "consistent provider" but focuses specifically on supply.

a perennial wellspring

Uses a more figurative term to describe a continuous and abundant source.

a continuous stream

Emphasizes the ongoing flow from the source.

an unfailing supply

Highlights the reliability and certainty of the supply.

a regular flow

Focuses on the routine and predictability of the flow from the source.

a guaranteed origin

Highlights the assured and certain nature of the origin.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady source" to describe something that provides a consistent and reliable supply of something else, such as "The river was "a steady source" of water for the village" or "Freelancing became "a steady source" of income".

What are some alternatives to "a steady source"?

Alternatives to "a steady source" include phrases like "a reliable origin", "a consistent provider", or "a dependable resource", depending on the specific context.

Is "a steady source" formal or informal?

"A steady source" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure rather than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "a steady source" and "a constant source"?

While both phrases imply reliability, ""a steady source"" suggests a consistent and continuous flow, while "a constant source" emphasizes that the origin is always present or available. The distinction is subtle but can impact the nuance of your writing.