a steady stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady stream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous flow of something, such as people, information, or resources. Example: "The park was filled with a steady stream of visitors throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cars zipped by in a steady stream.

The New Yorker

— a steady stream of revenue.

Princeton University

There was a steady stream of announcements.

The Guardian

Performances will continue in a steady stream.

The New York Times - Arts

A steady stream of cars clanged overhead.

The Washington Post

A steady stream of European adventurers have already arrived.

The New York Times - Travel

A steady stream of people came to say goodbye.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A steady stream of uniformed officers trudged in and out.

The New York Times

A steady stream of auto wreckers brought in flattened cars.

The New Yorker

OxyContin delivers a steady stream of oxycodone over 12 hours.

The New York Times

Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards tapped away in a steady stream.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady stream" to describe a consistent and reliable flow of something, whether it's information, resources, or people. For instance, "The website attracted a steady stream of visitors after the marketing campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "a steady stream" when describing something that is intermittent or irregular. Instead, reserve it for situations where the flow is continuous and reliable, not sporadic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a steady stream" is that of a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI highlights, it describes a continuous flow of something, as seen in the numerous examples from the search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady stream" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a continuous and reliable flow of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for various contexts, from formal news reports to everyday conversations. While alternatives like "a constant flow" or "a regular supply" exist, "a steady stream" remains a versatile and widely understood way to convey the idea of consistency. Remember to reserve it for situations where the flow is truly continuous, avoiding its use for intermittent or irregular events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constant flow

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the flow, similar to "a steady stream".

an unceasing current

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the flow using the metaphor of a current.

a continuous trickle

Implies a smaller, but consistent flow, differing in quantity from "a steady stream".

a regular supply

Focuses on the provision aspect of the flow, highlighting that something is being consistently provided, instead of highlighting a continuous flow itself.

a consistent delivery

Focuses on the reliable provision of something, rather than the flow itself.

a non-stop procession

Describes a continuous series of things moving forward, changing the focus from a fluid flow to an ordered movement.

an uninterrupted procession

Similar to "a non-stop procession" but emphasizes the lack of breaks.

a perpetual sequence

Suggests an ongoing series of events or items, shifting the context from flow to sequence.

a reliable source

Implies a dependable origin or supplier, differing from the continuous flow implied by "a steady stream".

a constant barrage

Suggests an overwhelming and continuous delivery, often of something negative, differing in intensity and connotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady stream" to describe a continuous flow of something. For example, "The new policy generated "a steady stream" of complaints" or "The company needs "a steady stream" of income to stay afloat".

What are some alternatives to "a steady stream"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a constant flow", "a continuous trickle", or "a regular supply".

Is it appropriate to use "a steady stream" in formal writing?

Yes, "a steady stream" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe a consistent flow of information, resources, or events.

What's the difference between "a steady stream" and "a torrent"?

"A steady stream" implies a continuous and consistent flow, while "a torrent" suggests a large and overwhelming outpouring. The former is moderate and reliable, whereas the latter is intense and potentially uncontrollable.