at a constant speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a constant speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing motion or movement that occurs without variation in speed over time. Example: "The car traveled at a constant speed of 60 miles per hour on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2. Drive at a constant speed.

The New York Times

The stamp moves at a constant speed.

Composite Structures

This module is controlled by MCU directly and running at a constant speed.

Cornell University

At t=1, it's going to be at Q1. And, it moves at a constant speed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The four up escalators were moving, but at a constant speed.

The New York Times

Until the controls were installed, the fans ran at a constant speed regardless of the need.

The New York Times

The first theory applied only to observations made by someone moving at a constant speed.

The New York Times - Books

Sound does not travel at a constant speed in the ocean.

The New York Times

An object moving at a constant speed travels a distance that is proportional to the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The results were obtained by scanning the probe on test specimen at a constant speed.

Measurement

The force on the FSR determines the height of the airplane, which travels past obstacles at a constant speed.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In driving contexts, using "at a constant speed" underlines fuel efficiency and predictability.

Common error

Be precise in your language. While "speed" refers to how fast something is moving, "velocity" includes direction. Use "at a constant speed" when direction changes, and "at a constant velocity" when both speed and direction remain the same.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a constant speed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammar and effectively communicates consistent motion. It's found across many examples describing various actions performed steadily.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a constant speed" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase to describe movement without any change in speed. Ludwig AI confirms the appropriateness and usability of the phrase. It is commonly used across various contexts, including science, news reporting, and academic writing. When using the phrase, consider the slight differences between "speed" and "velocity", using "velocity" when direction remains unchanged. To enhance clarity and precision, consider using alternatives like "at a steady rate" or "at a uniform pace" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a steady rate

Emphasizes the consistent progression or movement over time.

at a uniform pace

Highlights the evenness and regularity of the movement or activity.

at a consistent tempo

Often used in musical or rhythmic contexts, suggesting a steady beat.

at an even keel

Implies stability and lack of fluctuation during movement or progress.

at a fixed velocity

Technical term emphasizing the constant speed and direction of movement.

at a regular clip

Suggests a consistent and moderately fast speed.

at a stable velocity

Emphasizes that the speed remains unchanged over time.

without acceleration

Focuses on the absence of change in speed, specifically the lack of increase in speed.

at a cruise

Often associated with vehicles, implying a comfortable and maintained speed.

at an unvarying speed

Highlights the lack of any change in speed.

FAQs

How can I use "at a constant speed" in a sentence?

The phrase "at a constant speed" describes movement without acceleration or deceleration. For example, "The train traveled "at a constant speed" throughout the journey."

What are some alternatives to saying "at a constant speed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "at a steady rate", "at a uniform pace", or "at a fixed velocity".

Is it better to say "at a constant speed" or "at a steady speed"?

Both "at a constant speed" and "at a steady speed" are correct and very similar. "Constant" implies no change whatsoever, while "steady" suggests a consistent but perhaps slightly fluctuating speed. Context dictates the best choice.

What is the difference between "at a constant speed" and "at a constant velocity"?

"At a constant speed" refers only to the rate of movement, while "at a constant velocity" implies both a constant speed and a constant direction. Velocity is a vector quantity, while speed is a scalar quantity.