constants

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "constants" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that does not change or vary over time. For example: "The constants of life are that nothing stays the same."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Schalke, who finished third, and Bayer Leverkusen (4th) switched places from 2012-13, buthehe top four were the only constants in comparison with the previous campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

The ways these dimensions are put together into these tiny little spaces determine how particles will behave, what particles will exist, what the constants of nature are—quantities like dark energy or the electric charge of an electron.

The Economist

Bruce Schneier, a cryptographer and security commentator, frets that the NSA may have picked those constants so as to make the resulting codes vulnerable to decryption.

The Economist

And the insulating layers currently used in chip making have constants of around 3.5.These days, such insulators tend to be laid down on a chip using a technique known as chemical vapour deposition (CVD).

The Economist

But they do have to answer for that.One can tell a lot from a thinker's constants and variables.

The Economist

The trouble with constants Renewing a classic The devil in the detail Note: "Luis Barragán" ReprintsHis central concern is how the constants of nature affect our lives (a small change in some of them would make atoms, for example, impossible) rather than how the constants are themselves measured.

The Economist

But with each new challenge I am learning to embrace change as one of life's and business's constants.

The Economist

It is simply that, unlike physics, economics yields no natural laws or universal constants.

The Economist

The trouble with constants Renewing a classic The devil in the detail Note: "Luis Barragán" Reprints Related items Luis Barragán: The colours of serenityJan 23rd 2003.

The Economist

Common insulators such as glass or porcelain have constants raging from four to nine.

The Economist

The trouble with constants Renewing a classic The devil in the detail Note: "Luis Barragán" Reprints Related items Opera: The devil in the detailJan 30th 2003Mr Chéreau has stressed the violence of these characters' passions, the violent expression of both their desires and the constraint of these longings: Racine's characters are all at one moment and another crushed by the weight of their shame.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about scientific or mathematical topics, ensure that you clearly define what you consider to be the "constants" within your model or system to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "constants" loosely to describe things that are merely consistent or predictable, but not fundamentally invariant in the context you're discussing. Reserve "constants" for truly unchanging factors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "constants" is as a plural noun. Ludwig highlights that it refers to things that remain unchanged or fixed. It commonly functions as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting unchanging quantities, elements, or factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constants" functions as a plural noun signifying elements that remain unchanged. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Predominantly employed in scientific and formal contexts, especially within physics, mathematics, and related disciplines, it denotes stability and the absence of variation. When you are talking or writing about "constants", keep in mind that the term describes an element that remains fixed, and in scientific or mathematical writing, defining what those "constants" are is crucial. Finally, consider using synonyms such as "invariables" or "fixed values", for enhancing your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invariables

Highlights the unchanging nature of constants.

unchanging elements

Stresses the lack of variation in constants.

fixed values

Emphasizes the numerical or quantitative aspect of constants.

invariant quantities

Emphasizes the mathematical property of invariance.

fixed parameters

Highlights the role of constants in defining a system.

set parameters

Highlights the pre-defined and unchangeable nature of the parameters.

stable factors

Indicates the reliable and consistent nature of constants.

fundamentals

Focuses on the foundational role of constants.

basic principles

Highlights constants as underlying truths.

established norms

Highlights constants as standards.

FAQs

How are "constants" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "constants" refer to unchanging values or parameters within a model or equation. For example, in physics, the speed of light is a fundamental constant. Use it to denote quantities that do not vary under specific conditions.

What's the difference between "constants" and "variables"?

"Constants" are fixed values, while variables can change. If you're looking for a term to use in opposition, you could use "variables" to describe values that can change within a system or equation.

Can "constants" be used in non-scientific contexts?

Yes, "constants" can be used metaphorically to describe things that remain the same over time, such as "the constants of human nature". However, ensure the context is clear and the usage appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "constants" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "invariables", "fixed values", or "fundamentals". The best choice will depend on the specific meaning you want to convey.