fairly constant

USAGE SUMMARY

"fairly constant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that remains the same most of the time. For example, "The temperature outside has been fairly constant lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ballet is fairly constant.

The Guardian

Death rates have remained fairly constant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The amount of force at their ankles stayed fairly constant.

The New York Times - Health

Still, the number of strangulation deaths has remained fairly constant.

The New York Times

Even the sources of their fortunes remain fairly constant.

The New York Times

While this activity hits a peak around this time of year, it's fairly constant year-round.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the past five years, the number of cases has remained fairly constant, Ms. Pospisil said.

The New York Times

"Over time," Dr. Raczkowksi said, "the percentage of drugs being withdrawn has remained fairly constant".

The New York Times

And in fact, for the past 10 years, Slinger has been in fairly constant demand.

The Guardian

Although almost always walking alone through this lovely countryside, one fairly constant companion was my shadow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or data, use "fairly constant" to indicate a lack of significant change over time. This helps convey stability and predictability.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly constant" when there are notable fluctuations. Ensure the data or trend genuinely shows a reasonable degree of consistency before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly constant" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of relative stability or consistency. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains to describe quantities, rates, temperatures, and other measurable phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fairly constant" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that remains mostly the same over time, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in science and news media to convey stability without implying absolute immutability. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject truly exhibits a reasonable degree of consistency and avoid overstating stability when there are notable fluctuations. Related phrases include "relatively stable" and "moderately consistent", offering subtle variations in meaning. Remember, Ludwig provides numerous examples to guide precise and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively stable

Indicates a state of stability that is not absolute but is maintained to a reasonable degree.

moderately consistent

Implies a level of consistency that is present but not necessarily perfect or unwavering.

somewhat uniform

Suggests a degree of uniformity, where variations are minimal and the overall pattern is similar.

reasonably steady

Indicates a state of steadiness that is within acceptable limits, without significant fluctuations.

largely unchanged

Emphasizes the absence of significant changes over a period of time.

approximately constant

Highlights that the value is close to a certain constant, but not exactly the same.

generally consistent

Implies consistency holds in most cases, but occasional deviations may occur.

mostly stable

Suggests a state of stability is dominant, though minor instability may be observed.

comparatively consistent

Indicates consistency when compared to other elements or variables.

not significantly variable

Highlights the low degree of variability when compared to other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly constant" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly constant" to describe something that remains at approximately the same level or value over a period. For example, "The demand for the product has remained "fairly constant" over the past year."

What are some alternatives to "fairly constant"?

Alternatives include "relatively stable", "moderately consistent", or "somewhat uniform", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "very constant" instead of "fairly constant"?

While "very constant" is grammatically correct, it implies a higher degree of stability than "fairly constant". "Fairly constant" suggests there might be minor variations, while "very constant" suggests almost no variation.

What is the difference between "fairly constant" and "absolutely constant"?

"Fairly constant" indicates that something remains mostly the same, with possible minor fluctuations. "Absolutely constant", on the other hand, means that something never changes at all. In many real-world scenarios, ""fairly constant"" is more realistic than "absolutely constant".