a steady stride

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady stride" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent and even manner of walking or moving forward, often implying confidence or purpose. Example: "As she approached the podium, she walked with a steady stride, exuding confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hit the sidewalks with a steady stride Meld into the masses and stride side by side.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reaching a steadier stride on clear stretches of road, the car rode smoothly and was surprisingly rattle-free, and the steering wheel lightened up in Mr. Mamola's hands.

The New York Times

And you'll walk out the door with a steadier stride, a taller spine.

Huffington Post

Walk with a careful, steady stride.

WikiHow

In a study published last year, biomechanics researchers at the University of Milan in Italy had a group of runners stride forward and backward at a steady pace along a track equipped with force sensors and cameras.

The New York Times

Keep a steady pace.

WikiHow

Work at a steady pace.

WikiHow

Teammates noticed he had regained his steady stride, that same gait possessed by Michael Jordan.

The New York Times - Sports

Mike Hampton stalked off the Shea Stadium mound, his disappointment and rage growing with each steady stride.

The New York Times - Sports

It may not be critical for animals to maintain a steady trajectory from stride to stride in uneven terrain, but it is reasonable to assume that they avoid falls.

Biology Letters

Leo Adams, in his new housing, does get laid, as his mentor, Ralph, advises, but mostly lies low in hotel rooms and walks for miles, "as though I were at the wheel of a luxury car," relishing his smooth steady strides and the way he can "see over the heads of others on the street" (who said he was stocky?).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady stride" when you want to convey a sense of confidence, purpose, or unwavering determination in someone's movement. It suggests a controlled and consistent manner of walking or progressing.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady stride" to describe things that don't involve physical movement or progress. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The economy moved with a steady stride" when you actually mean "The economy experienced steady growth."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady stride" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that the structure is common and used to describe the manner of walking or progressing. It often emphasizes the consistency and control of the movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady stride" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a confident, controlled, and purposeful manner of walking or progressing. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts. While synonyms like ""a consistent pace"" or ""a firm step"" exist, "a steady stride" uniquely emphasizes the act of walking itself. It's best used to convey determination and focus, avoiding misuse in contexts lacking physical movement. Top sources like The New York Times and Huffington Post demonstrate its authoritative usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent pace

Focuses on the consistency of the speed rather than the manner of walking.

a firm step

Emphasizes the decisiveness and strength of each step.

a measured gait

Highlights the controlled and deliberate nature of the walk.

a regular rhythm

Shifts the focus to the rhythmic aspect of the movement, implying consistency.

an even tempo

Similar to "a regular rhythm" but can also apply to non-walking contexts.

a deliberate walk

Highlights the intentionality and purposefulness behind the movement.

a smooth gait

Focuses on the fluidity and ease of the walking motion.

a constant march

Suggests a continuous and unwavering forward movement, often in a group.

a uniform progress

Shifts the focus from walking to the overall progress being made.

a stable advance

Highlights the stability and forward direction of the movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady stride" to describe someone walking confidently or progressing consistently towards a goal. For example: "She approached the negotiation table with "a steady stride", ready to make her case."

What are some alternatives to "a steady stride"?

Some alternatives include "a consistent pace", "a firm step", or "a measured gait", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "steady pace" or "steady stride"?

While both phrases imply consistency, "steady pace" generally refers to the speed or rate of movement, whereas "steady stride" specifically describes the manner of walking or stepping. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize speed or the act of walking itself.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "a steady stride"?

It suggests that the person walks in a confident, controlled, and purposeful manner, often implying determination and focus.