constant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'constant' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unchanging, consistent, or enduring, such as in the phrase "the constant rhythm of the waves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were dark nights for Rudd after his defenestration but it remained a constant comfort that he had never been rejected by the Australian people.

The Guardian

Gillard backer Gary Gray said he had agreed to stay on as resources minister, but was still blunt in his assessment that Gillard's leadership had been killed off by a constant campaign of destabilisation by Rudd supporters.

The Guardian

"The Farc need constant reassuring because they are very, very mistrustful," Shifter says.

The Guardian

He pointed out that having founded the FN and "led it during a period of 40 years of constant adversity" he considered himself a good "locomotive" to head the local regional election campaign.

The Guardian

And the constant pursuit of the economic and military advantage and superiority which scientific invention and technology confer is an essential component of a world-view that changes the realities on the ground.

The Guardian

And it came as the new prime minister Kevin Rudd also said he was worried that the constant arrival of asylum seekers by boat would see "the fragmentation of support" for Australia's migration system.

The Guardian

In Auschwitz, "We lived in a constant state of high alert.

The Guardian - Music

It was repeated throughout the show's three hours as a constant reminder to listeners that – whatever Barclays' staggeringly broad sins of the past (mis-selling, rigging interest rates, violating sanctions) – it is now firmly on the side of the angels.

The Guardian - Business

"No other country in Europe offers such potential," he says as cranes in constant motion move containers from ship to dock outside.

The Guardian

But attracting and keeping talented trustees, non-executive directors (Neds) and senior managers is a constant test.

The Guardian

These thefts, and the frequent contests which they produce, have for some time furnished a constant fund of amusement to the bystanders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constant" to describe something that remains unchanged over a period of time or throughout a process. For example, "The speed of light is a constant in physics."

Common error

Avoid using "constant" when you mean something that happens often but not all the time. "Frequent" is better for describing recurring events; "constant" implies uninterrupted continuation.

Linguistic Context

The word "constant" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a state of being unchanging, continuous, or regularly recurring. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constant" functions as an adjective denoting something unchanging, continuous, or consistent. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives like "continuous" or "steady" exist, "constant" uniquely emphasizes unwavering stability. Remember to use "constant" for uninterrupted occurrences and avoid confusing it with "frequent". With a high source quality score and expert rating, "constant" remains a valuable word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistent

Emphasizes the agreement or uniformity over time or instances.

continuous

Focuses on the unbroken sequence or flow of something.

unceasing

Emphasizes the uninterrupted nature, often used for negative situations or efforts.

incessant

Highlights the repetitive and often annoying nature of something.

steady

Suggests a stable and consistent rate or level.

perpetual

Implies an endless or indefinitely long duration.

unwavering

Highlights steadfastness and resistance to doubt or change.

stable

Highlights the resistance to change or disruption.

fixed

Suggests being firmly in place or not subject to change.

immutable

Emphasizes the unchangeable and permanent quality of something.

FAQs

How can I use "constant" in a sentence?

You can use "constant" to describe something that is unchanging or continuous, such as "The "constant noise" of the city kept me awake" or "She was a "constant source of support" during a difficult time".

What can I say instead of "constant"?

Alternatives to "constant" include "continuous", "perpetual", "steady", or "consistent", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "constant and consistent"?

While both words suggest a lack of change, using "constant and consistent" can be redundant. "Constant" often implies continuity over time, while "consistent" suggests uniformity across different instances or conditions. Choose the word that best fits the nuance you want to convey, or use one of the words on its own.

What's the difference between "constant" and "continual"?

"Constant" implies something happens without interruption, while "continual" means something happens repeatedly with intervals. A "constant" flow is unbroken; a "continual" flow has pauses but recurs. Use "constant flow" when there's no stopping, while use "continual flow" when there are breaks.