a steady supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a consistent and reliable provision of something, such as resources or goods. Example: "The company ensures a steady supply of materials to meet production demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And there's a steady supply.

The New Yorker

We're crack addicts with a steady supply.

The New York Times

Backyard bird feeders also provide a steady supply of subjects.

The New York Times

A steady supply of cheap labor implies a permanent underclass.

The New York Times

The derivatives market depended upon a steady supply of mortgages.

The New York Times - Books

Also, the educators provide a steady supply of training classes for farmers year-round.

Cornell University

Our bodies need a steady supply of what used to be known as vitamin B9.

Harvard University

If you're a diner, you need a steady supply of bacon, sausage and ham.

The New York Times - Magazine

And youth, coupled with a steady supply of caffeine, apparently has its advantages.

The New York Times

Wales too would appear to have a steady supply of talent coming through the ranks.

The Guardian - Sport

Eventually, we came across a steady supply that was nearly as fresh as our local catch.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady supply" to emphasize the consistent and reliable nature of something being provided. This is particularly useful when discussing resources, materials, or talent that are essential for ongoing operations or needs.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady supply" when the context requires a large quantity at once, rather than a consistent flow over time. For instance, it's less appropriate to describe a one-time massive delivery as "a steady supply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady supply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that is consistently and reliably available. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steady supply" is a noun phrase indicating a consistent and reliable source of something. As Ludwig highlights, its use is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "a reliable source" or "a constant stream" exist, "a steady supply" specifically emphasizes the reliable and consistent availability over time. Therefore, it's crucial to consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys the intended meaning. To prevent misuse, avoid using this phrase when describing one-time deliveries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliable source

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the source, rather than the consistency of the provision.

a constant stream

Emphasizes the continuous and flowing nature of the provision, often used for intangible things like information or ideas.

an assured flow

Highlights the guaranteed and uninterrupted nature of the provision.

a guaranteed provision

Focuses on the assurance that something will be provided, emphasizing certainty.

a continuous provision

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the supply, suitable for ongoing needs.

a consistent source

Highlights the uniformity and predictability of the supply.

a stable source

Indicates a secure and unwavering source, less about the continuous nature.

a perennial flow

Suggests a source that is long-lasting and regularly recurring.

an unfailing source

Highlights the reliability and dependability of the source, suggesting it never runs out.

a predictable availability

Highlights the ease of accessibility and reliable forecasting of the supply.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steady supply" to describe a continuous and reliable source of something. For example, "The factory relies on "a steady supply" of raw materials to maintain production."

What are some alternatives to using "a steady supply"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a reliable source", "a constant stream", or "a continuous provision".

Is there a difference between "a steady supply" and "a constant supply"?

While similar, "a steady supply" emphasizes reliability and consistency over time, whereas "a constant supply" simply means something is always available. A "constant supply" might fluctuate in quantity, while "a steady supply" implies a more consistent rate.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a steady supply"?

Use "a steady supply" when you want to highlight the reliable and continuous nature of a resource, product, or other commodity. It's often used in business, economics, and resource management contexts to describe consistent inputs or outputs.