at least steadily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at least steadily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a minimum level of consistency or reliability in a particular context. Example: "The project is progressing at least steadily, which gives us hope for timely completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Economic indicators

Dining scene

Environmental efforts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Conference Board's index of leading economic indicators was up 1.1% in November, the latest signal that the economy, while sluggish, is at least steadily improving.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The new places around the Capitol also represent, if not an emergent dining scene, at least a steadily improving one in a city long derided for substandard eating.

The New York Times - Food

Berlin's 43,000 yellow sodium lights, at least, are steadily vanishing as the city strives to become carbon neutral by 2050.

The Guardian

This cycle repeated itself at least twice, at steadily more violent levels, before the last operation began.

The New York Times

For the past 40 years at least, Lake Turkana has steadily shrunk because of increased evaporation from higher temperatures and a steady reduction in the flow of the Omo due to less rainfall, increased diversion of water for irrigation, and upstream dam projects.

Yale University

In a way the bad news -- or rather the financial system's ability to take it in stride -- has been good news: I at least am becoming steadily less worried about a Japanese-style implosion.

The New York Times

Within EvoDevo, at least, integration will steadily increase because of advances in genomic analysis of developmental pathways as well as in bioinformatics, which with developmental ontologies based on homology will allow EvoDevo itself to be merged more fully with traditional genetic and phenotypic data.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Since academic integrity was first studied in the 1960s, Stephens said, the rate of students who acknowledge they've cheated at least once has steadily risen, topping out in the 1990s at about 90%, where it has held steady ever since.

Los Angeles Times

In addition, the proportion of controls visiting a GP at least once increased steadily over time, reflecting the effect of ageing.

British Journal of Cancer

Now it is changing again as Dhaka, a city of at least 15 million, gets steadily less poor.

The Guardian

Now it is changing again as Dhaka, a city of at least 15 million, gets steadily less poor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at least steadily" when you want to convey that something is improving, even if the improvement is slow or not immediately noticeable. This phrasing acknowledges the gradual nature of the progress while still highlighting its positive direction.

Common error

Avoid using "at least steadily" when the situation requires a stronger, more decisive description of improvement. If the progress is significant, a more affirmative phrase is warranted. Using "at least steadily" in such scenarios might unintentionally downplay the actual positive change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at least steadily" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the degree or manner of an action or state. It indicates that something is progressing or improving, with a minimum level of consistency. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this use, reinforcing its function to temper or qualify a statement with an assurance of a base level of progression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at least steadily" is a useful adverbial modifier that indicates a minimum level of consistent progress or improvement. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It serves to provide reassurance and tempered optimism, acknowledging potential limitations while emphasizing forward momentum. Though its frequency is uncommon, "at least steadily" finds appropriate use in diverse professional and informative contexts, including news articles, scientific reports, and business communications. Related alternatives, such as "at a minimum consistently", can offer subtle differences in emphasis depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the very least reliably

Highlights the reliability aspect, suggesting a base level of dependability even if progress is not rapid.

at a minimum consistently

Emphasizes the minimum level of consistency, shifting the focus from gradual change to baseline reliability.

gradually at a base level

Combines the idea of gradual change with a foundation or starting point.

at the low end, increasingly

Specifies the lower boundary while still indicating upward movement.

if nothing else, progressively

Underscores the progressive nature, even if other aspects are lacking.

incrementally as a starting point

Highlights the small steps taken from an initial position.

slowly but surely

Focuses on the certainty of progress, even if it's at a reduced rate, and avoids explicit qualification of a minimum standard.

moderately if not rapidly

Introduces a contrast between moderate and rapid progress.

on a stable, albeit modest, incline

Emphasizes the stability and the humble nature of the increasing trend.

on a consistent yet understated basis

Highlights the consistent nature, but diminishes expectation for great changes.

FAQs

How can I use "at least steadily" in a sentence?

You can use "at least steadily" to describe a situation that is improving gradually, even if the progress is not dramatic. For example, "The economy is recovering "at least steadily", which is encouraging."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "at least steadily"?

Some alternatives include "gradually", "progressively", "consistently, even if slowly", or "at a minimum consistently" depending on the context.

Is "at least steadily" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "at least steadily" can be used in formal writing, but consider whether a stronger or more precise term might be more suitable. The phrase is generally acceptable but might be perceived as slightly understated in some formal contexts.

What's the difference between "at least steadily" and "steadily"?

"Steadily" implies a consistent and regular pace of progress. "At least steadily" suggests a minimum expectation of consistent progress, implying that the actual progress might be better, but is guaranteed to be "at a minimum consistently".