constantly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "constantly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is always happening, or recurring frequently. For example: "I was constantly checking the time to make sure I didn't miss the train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can't constantly supervise everyone in football," insisted Blatter.

The Guardian - Sport

Constantly checking my phone not only makes me bad company (sorry friends), but it makes me worry that there's something I'm missing or something I've failed to cover in one of my stories.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A man already known for his chillaxing tendencies, Dave has spent much of the campaign going through the motions, as if he believed that by constantly repeating "competence or chaos" he would automatically be given back the keys to No 10.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whenever the topic of the vast – and constantly expanding – wealth gap comes up for debate, it seems as if someone is always itching for the opportunity to resurrect those words, culminating in Fitzgerald's observation that the wealthy "think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are".

The Guardian - Money

When you prepare for a game, you should give all you've got during training sessions and seek constantly to improve yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

The cooking is creative without being tortured, delicious without being safe, a constantly evolving thrill-ride.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One teacher told the Observer: "Girls hitching up their skirts is not new, but it is getting worse, and the skirts are getting so high that male teachers are constantly saying they are embarrassed by the sight of female underwear in the corridors and especially on the stairs".

The Guardian

The overall argument in Gatherings was that concentrated graveyard gases caused instant death in man and beast; foul-smelling grounds, constantly releasing more diffused miasma, did not produce sudden death – but they debilitated those living nearby, according to their level of exposure and individual resistance.

The Guardian

His technique was repetition, constantly assailing the public with ever more gruesome facts, recycling tales of graveyard degradations, seeking out new examples.

The Guardian

As you traverse the town, new vistas constantly come at you, with amazing combinations of architecture and beach.

The Guardian - Travel

But the main reason no one comes round is because it constantly smells of pee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constantly" to emphasize the ongoing nature of an action or state. For instance, "The software is constantly being updated" highlights continuous improvement.

Common error

While "constantly" is widely understood, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Replace it with more precise alternatives like "frequently", "regularly", or "continuously" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey in formal writing.

How to use

Learn how to use "constantly" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "constantly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that an action or state occurs repeatedly or without interruption. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it emphasizes ongoing processes or habitual behaviors, aligning with standard grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "constantly" is a grammatically sound and highly prevalent term used to describe actions or states that occur frequently or without interruption. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for diverse contexts, although strategic use of synonyms can enhance writing precision. The adverb is particularly common in news, lifestyle, and sports reporting. It serves to underscore the ongoing nature of events or behaviors, making it a versatile tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuously

Indicates an uninterrupted sequence or flow, similar to "constantly" but emphasizes the lack of breaks.

continually

Implies a repeated sequence with possible interruptions, akin to "constantly" but focusing on repetition.

ceaselessly

Suggests an unending or relentless quality, similar to "constantly" but with a stronger emphasis on persistence.

incessantly

Emphasizes the repetitive and often annoying nature of something happening, similar to "constantly" but with a negative connotation.

perpetually

Indicates something that continues indefinitely or seems to last forever, like "constantly" but with a sense of timelessness.

always

Denotes something happening at all times or on every occasion, synonymous with "constantly" in many contexts but broader.

repeatedly

Highlights the fact that something happens again and again, like "constantly" but focusing on the number of occurrences.

regularly

Implies a consistent pattern or established frequency, related to "constantly" but suggesting predictability.

persistently

Indicates a determined continuation despite obstacles, akin to "constantly" but emphasizing the effort involved.

all the time

A more informal way of saying "constantly", indicating that something happens very frequently.

FAQs

How can I use "constantly" in a sentence?

Use "constantly" to describe something that happens very often or without interruption. For example, "She is constantly checking her phone" indicates a frequent action.

What are some alternatives to using "constantly"?

You can use alternatives like "continuously", "continually", or "incessantly" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "constantly" or "continuously"?

"Constantly" implies frequent repetition, while "continuously" suggests an uninterrupted sequence. The choice depends on whether the action is repeated or ongoing without breaks.

What's the difference between "constantly" and "frequently"?

"Constantly" suggests a higher degree of regularity and persistence than "frequently". "Constantly" implies something happens almost all the time, while "frequently" means it happens often but not necessarily without interruption.