be consistent

USAGE SUMMARY

"be consistent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express the idea of someone maintaining the same level of consistency in behavior or actions over a period of time. For example, "It is important to be consistent with your diet if you want to see results over the long run."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It should be consistent.

The New York Times

"But be consistent".

The New York Times

Finally, be consistent.

The New York Times

Be consistent with it.

The New York Times - Sports

I should be consistent".

The New York Times

That would be consistent".

The Guardian

But let's be consistent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The language is consistent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'm consistent.

The New York Times

A. I'm consistent.

The New York Times

But it's consistent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving advice or instructions, use "be consistent" to emphasize the importance of regularity and predictability in achieving a desired outcome. For example, "Be consistent with your marketing efforts to build brand awareness."

Common error

Avoid situations where you apply "be consistent" to areas that require flexibility or adaptation. Consistency is valuable, but rigid adherence to a plan can be detrimental when circumstances change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be consistent" primarily functions as an imperative, used to give a command or instruction. Ludwig examples show it often appears in contexts urging regularity and predictability in behavior or actions, reinforcing its directive nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be consistent" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative used to advise or instruct someone to maintain a regular and predictable pattern of behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide applicability. It's found frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources, showing its relevance across both informal and professional contexts. While consistency is generally valued, it's important to avoid applying it rigidly to situations requiring adaptability. Alternatives such as "maintain consistency" or "act predictably" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain consistency

Focuses on the act of keeping consistency ongoing.

ensure uniformity

Highlights the importance of sameness and regularity in actions or processes.

act predictably

Emphasizes the predictability of one's actions.

remain constant

Stresses the unchanging nature of behavior or actions.

keep a steady pace

Suggests maintaining a stable and regular rhythm in one's actions or progress.

hold the line

This idiom refers to maintaining a firm position or standard.

stick to the plan

Focuses on adhering to a pre-determined course of action.

follow through

Emphasizes completing what you've started and honoring commitments.

stay the course

Encourages perseverance and sticking to one's path despite challenges.

walk the talk

This idiom is about aligning actions with words.

FAQs

How can I use "be consistent" in a sentence?

You can use "be consistent" to advise someone to maintain a regular and predictable pattern of behavior or action. For example, "If you want to improve your skills, "be consistent" with your practice schedule."

What's the difference between "be consistent" and "be constant"?

"Be consistent" implies maintaining a regular and predictable pattern, whereas "be constant" suggests remaining unchanged or fixed. While both involve stability, "be consistent" focuses on the pattern, and "be constant" focuses on the state of being unchanged.

What are some alternatives to "be consistent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "maintain consistency", "ensure uniformity", or "act predictably".

In what situations is it important to "be consistent"?

It's important to "be consistent" in situations where predictability and reliability are valued, such as in parenting, training, branding, or following a specific methodology. In all these scenarios, a steady and reliable approach typically yields the best results.