be kept constant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept constant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something should remain unchanged or stable over a period of time. Example: "In this experiment, the temperature must be kept constant to ensure accurate results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The interface speed can be kept constant even though the modulation speed changes.

Columbia University

However, pH of the sample should be kept constant (pH 2).

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

The temperature gradient at the solid/liquid interface could be kept constant.

Acta Materialia

Again, the water supply should be kept constant and clean to be attractive to the bird population.

The New York Times

Since electric-generator speeds must be kept constant to a high degree of precision, this leads to complex controls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a gas-turbine engine driving an electric generator, the speed must be kept constant regardless of the electrical load.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In reality, the heating rate of an industrial pyrolysis process is difficult or often not necessary to be kept constant.

Chemical Engineering Science

The tunneling current can be kept constant for a long time with a slight fluctuation if the light intensity is fixed.

Nature

As central factors like the cell density can be kept constant by turbidostatic control, light intensity and iron content with its strong impact on productivity can be optimized.

Journal of Biotechnology

In this research, the speed control scheme is implemented by using current modulation, so the revolutional speed will be kept constant.

Mechatronics

On that basis, Friedman argued, in A Program for Monetary Stability (1960), that the rate of growth of money should be kept constant.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing experimental procedures, use "be kept constant" to clearly specify parameters that must not change to ensure reliable results.

Common error

Avoid inadvertently altering conditions meant to "be kept constant". Double-check all controllable variables throughout your experiment or process to prevent unintended fluctuations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept constant" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating a state of being maintained without change. It emphasizes the condition of something remaining stable. Ludwig confirms its usability, showing it in many real-world sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

Encyclopedias

9%

News & Media

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be kept constant" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to emphasize the necessity of maintaining a stable and unchanging condition. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and can be found across numerous sources, with a particularly strong presence in scientific and academic writing. The usage analysis reveals its primary function is to provide instructions or specifications where stability is critical. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, its precision lends itself more naturally to scholarly and technical environments. Related phrases such as "remain consistent" and "stay unchanged" offer semantically similar alternatives that can be used based on the specific emphasis desired. Therefore, writers can confidently use "be kept constant" in situations where maintaining a steady state is crucial, relying on Ludwig to ensure proper contextual application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain consistent

Emphasizes maintaining consistency over time, shifting focus from external action.

stay unchanged

Highlights the lack of alteration, focusing on the state of not being modified.

be held constant

Similar meaning, but more formal and emphasizes the act of holding something.

hold steady

Implies resisting movement or change, suggesting effort to maintain stability.

be maintained

Stresses the act of actively maintaining something in a certain state.

be preserved

Suggests protection from decay or change, often used in scientific or archival contexts.

be stabilized

Focuses on the act of achieving stability after a period of fluctuation.

be regulated

Indicates control to ensure a desired state is maintained.

be standardized

Highlights conforming to a specific norm or level, often used in technical or industrial settings.

be perpetuated

Suggests making something continue indefinitely, often with the implication of ongoing effort.

FAQs

What does "be kept constant" mean?

The phrase "be kept constant" means that something should remain unchanged or stable over a period of time. It implies maintaining a consistent value or condition.

How can I use "be kept constant" in a sentence?

You can use "be kept constant" when describing experimental conditions, settings, or parameters that need to remain the same, such as "The temperature must "be kept constant" throughout the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "be kept constant"?

Some alternatives to "be kept constant" include "remain consistent", "stay unchanged", or "be maintained".

Is "be kept constant" formal or informal?

"Be kept constant" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though it is more commonly seen in scientific, technical, or professional contexts.