at a consistent rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a consistent rate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to the speed or frequency of something. For example, "My heart rate stayed at a consistent rate during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

-Did crime rise or fall at a consistent rate?

The New York Times

Forest cover increased at a consistent rate of 14.3 ha/year.

Forest Ecology and Management

In 2001, French scientists installed a degassing instrument – mostly a pipe and fountain that allows gas to escape at a consistent rate.

The Guardian

Universal credit is intended to improve work incentives by ensuring that support is reduced at a consistent rate as people return to work.

The Guardian

This means that for a driver who travels at a consistent rate of 30 to 33 miles an hour, the signals will turn green sequentially.

The New York Times

I want to have the presynaptic cell fire at a consistent rate before I introduce the modulatory component which would either increase or decrease activity.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If you want a smooth experience, you need to run a game at a consistent frame rate above 60 frames per second.

TechCrunch

If you want a smooth experience, you need to run a game at a consistent frame rate above 60 frames per second — otherwise you'll get nauseous.

TechCrunch

Activists have obtained board seats as a result of their efforts at a remarkably consistent rate in recent years.

Columbia University

They may not win at a more consistent rate.

The New York Times - Sports

"The real worry, though, is that it now seems to be getting worse at a fairly consistent rate.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes, especially in scientific or technical writing, use "at a consistent rate" to emphasize the stability and predictability of the process. This is particularly useful in experimental settings where maintaining a constant condition is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "at a consistent rate" in contexts where the rate naturally fluctuates or is expected to vary. For instance, describing emotional responses or market trends using this phrase could be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a consistent rate" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. It specifies the manner in which something occurs, emphasizing the regularity and stability of the action's speed or frequency. Ludwig confirms the accuracy of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "at a consistent rate" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the regularity and stability of a process or action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It finds frequent application in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signaling its broad acceptance and utility. While alternatives like "steadily" or "uniformly" exist, "at a consistent rate" provides a specific nuance of predictability, making it ideal for describing processes where stability is key. Be mindful of contextual appropriateness to avoid misapplication. In summary, "at a consistent rate" is a valuable phrase for precise and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a stable pace

Substitutes "consistent" with "stable" and "rate" with "pace", highlighting the unchanging speed.

steadily

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb emphasizing the continuous and even manner.

without fluctuation

Directly negates any changes or variability in the process.

uniformly

Focuses on the evenness and lack of variation in the process.

regularly

Emphasizes the recurring nature and lack of gaps in the process.

with unwavering regularity

Emphasizes the steadfast and unchanging nature of the consistency.

at an even keel

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey stability and lack of fluctuation.

at a constant clip

Replaces rate with "clip", providing an informal synonym for speed or pace.

at a fixed tempo

Highlights the constant rhythm or speed of an action.

in a predictable manner

Shifts the focus to the predictability and expected nature of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "at a consistent rate" in a sentence?

You can use "at a consistent rate" to describe processes or actions that occur steadily over time. For example, "The machine dispensed the liquid "at a consistent rate" to ensure accurate measurements".

What are some alternatives to "at a consistent rate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "steadily", "uniformly", or "at a stable pace". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it better to use "at a constant rate" or "at a consistent rate"?

"At a constant rate" and "at a consistent rate" are often interchangeable. However, "constant" implies an unchanging rate, while "consistent" allows for minor variations as long as the overall rate remains stable. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I ensure I'm using "at a consistent rate" correctly in my writing?

Make sure the context supports the idea of stability and predictability. If the rate is expected to change significantly, consider using a phrase like "variable rate" or describing the specific fluctuations instead.