be kept steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept steady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to maintaining something in a stable or unmoving position. Example: "To ensure safety during the experiment, the equipment must be kept steady at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They have also cut the cost of exploratory drilling by developing technologies for mobile rigs that allows them to be kept steady in rough weather.

The Economist

Under the agreement, barring a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina, the rates that LIPA customers pay for electricity are to be kept steady through 2007.

The New York Times

By a contraction of the upper abdominal muscles, control is achieved over the diaphragm, which thus enables the flow of air pressure from the lungs to be kept steady.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He reaffirmed China's determination to take its own, gradual steps with regards to the currency but said that for now the yuan, also known as the renminbi, would be kept steady.

The New York Times

Being one of the most important factors in fish farm management, the electric power level must be kept steady during culturing seasons, especially for those indoor fish farmers who need to re-circulate seawaters constantly through their pumps.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That's a real shame, because if it's kept steady enough, the DP1 can take incredible, noise-free nighttime shots.

The New York Times - Tech

Conservative researchers say that the counterexample is the European job market, where wages are kept steady and dismissing employees is difficult and where unemployment rates have generally been higher, sometimes much higher, than in the United States in recent decades.

The New York Times

Your snacks should provide a balance of healthy complex carbohydrates, a little bit of healthy fat and protein to ensure you're revved up and your metabolism and blood sugar levels are kept steady.

The New York Times

But slow-motion video footage taken during crash tests at Britain's Transport Research Laboratory, in Berkshire, shows that the outer shell does indeed move freely around the inner one, and the head is kept steady.Dr Phillips claims that his helmet should not be much more expensive to produce than a traditional motorcycle helmet and it would certainly be more cost-effective.

The Economist

And on the other hand, the annulus pressure balance was precisely controlled by virtue of precise MPD devices and by injecting heavy weight drilling fluids through central pipes, and thus the wellbore pressure was kept steady in the whole process of cementing in the strata with narrow safety density window.

Natural Gas Industry B

Both are kept steady and relatively unchanged from Obama's proposed budget.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific processes or technical specifications, use "be kept steady" to emphasize the need for consistent conditions. For instance, "The temperature must be kept steady during the experiment."

Common error

Avoid using "be kept steady" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "stay stable" or "remain constant" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept steady" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is being maintained in a stable condition. It highlights the action of maintaining stability rather than the object's inherent stability, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be kept steady" is grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions to describe the act of maintaining something in a stable condition, often appearing in formal and scientific contexts. While relatively infrequent, its precision makes it valuable for technical and procedural writing. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in casual contexts and be mindful of the tone to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain stable

Focuses on the state of stability rather than the action of maintaining it.

stay constant

Emphasizes the lack of change over time.

be maintained consistently

Highlights the consistent effort required for maintenance.

hold firm

Implies resistance to change or external forces.

be held constant

Focuses on the action of holding something at a fixed value.

be preserved stably

Highlights the act of preservation and maintaining stability.

be sustained

Focuses on the continuation of a state or condition.

be stabilized

Emphasizes the process of becoming stable.

be regulated

Suggests control and adjustment to maintain a desired state.

be balanced

Indicates equilibrium and even distribution to prevent instability.

FAQs

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

Use "be kept steady" to describe something maintained in a stable or consistent state. For example, "The pressure should be kept steady throughout the process."

What are some alternatives to "be kept steady"?

You can use alternatives such as "remain stable", "stay constant", or "be maintained consistently" depending on the context.

Is "be kept steady" formal or informal?

"Be kept steady" is generally suitable for formal and technical writing. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "stay stable" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean for something to "be kept steady"?

When something "be kept steady", it means that it is maintained in a stable, unvarying condition, avoiding fluctuations or changes.