a steady trend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady trend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or ongoing pattern in data or behavior over time. Example: "The data shows a steady trend of increasing sales over the past five years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But that's just the latest data point in what has been a steady trend in the President's direction.

The New Yorker

Many anticipate a steady trend of ever-hotter average temperatures as human activity generates more and more carbon pollution.

The Washington Post

"This budget policy created a steady trend toward making the U.S. a second-class space nation," it said.

The New York Times - Science

"The United States policy has a steady trend," he said, citing the bombing of Belgrade in 1999 and the American military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The New Yorker

New data from Gallup offers a fairly simple explanation: It was a continuation of a steady trend among whites without a college degree toward the Republican Party.

The Washington Post

For five years and more, there had been a steady trend towards the digitisation of the world's copyright material, pioneered by the Google Print Initiative.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The population growth seen in the analysis of Cluster 2 shows a steadier trend, with no changes seen after 1998.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Even allowing for quite a bit of noise, the data would seem to show a clear, steady trend toward a more innovative state, as balance increases in the system.

Forbes

The interaction of these factors resulted in a pattern of prices for both of these commodities that followed a relatively steady trend with cyclical and seasonal effects.

Agricultural and Food Economics

This is all part of a long, steady trend of great developments for women going back well over a century.

Huffington Post

The following figure shows this hour-long segment as a fairly steady trend.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data, use "a steady trend" to convey a sense of consistent change in a particular direction over time. For example, "The graph shows a steady trend of increasing customer satisfaction."

Common error

Be specific about what is trending. Instead of simply stating "there's a steady trend", clarify "there's a steady trend of rising inflation" to provide context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady trend" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a consistent pattern or movement over time. Ludwig examples confirm its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steady trend" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a consistent pattern or movement over time. According to Ludwig, it is utilized across diverse fields such as news, science, and encyclopedias with a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly exhibits this trend. While "a steady trend" is broadly applicable, alternatives like "a consistent pattern" or "a gradual increase" may offer more nuanced descriptions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consistent pattern

Emphasizes the regularity and predictability of the observed changes.

a gradual increase

Highlights the incremental nature of the growth.

a continuous progression

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the development.

a persistent tendency

Stresses the enduring nature of the inclination.

an unwavering course

Highlights the lack of deviation from the intended direction.

a stable development

Underlines the consistency and lack of abrupt changes in the evolution.

a predictable evolution

Focuses on the anticipated nature of the changes over time.

a constant advancement

Emphasizes the ongoing progress and forward movement.

a sustained growth

Highlights that the growth is continuing for an extended period.

an unremitting climb

Stresses the persistent and relentless nature of the increase.

FAQs

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

Use "a steady trend" to describe a consistent pattern or movement over time, such as, "The company experienced "a steady trend" of growth in the last quarter."

What are some alternatives to "a steady trend"?

You can use alternatives such as "a consistent pattern", "a gradual increase", or "a continuous progression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a steady trend" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase ""a steady trend"" is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its suitability depends on the context. Consider "a stable development" or "a predictable evolution" if they better fit your meaning.

What does "a steady trend" imply about the rate of change?

"A steady trend" suggests that the rate of change is relatively consistent over time. It doesn't imply rapid change, but rather a gradual and sustained shift. If the rate fluctuates, consider using phrases like "an erratic pattern" instead.