held constant

USAGE SUMMARY

"held constant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that remains unchanged over a period of time. For example: "The cost of living has increased significantly, but the value of the dollar has been held constant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Physicality was held constant.

Personality and Individual Differences

Everything else was held constant.

Harvard Business Review

All other subject characteristics were held constant.

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

Course material was held constant across semesters.

Computers & Education

It isn't; enrollment has held constant.

The New Yorker

Other deposition conditions were held constant.

Surface and Coatings Technology

All other factors were held constant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ruminally degradable protein was held constant at 10.1% of DM.

Journal of Dairy Science

The dosages of frother and depressant were held constant.

International Journal of Mineral Processing

In the experiment the ambient conditions are held constant.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The thicknesses of these layers were held constant.

Materials Science and Engineering: B

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing scientific papers or reports, ensure that you explicitly state which variables were "held constant" to maintain experimental control and validity.

Common error

Be aware that "held constant" is specific to the context in which other factors are being manipulated. Don't assume that because something is "held constant" in one situation, it will always be so in every situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "held constant" functions as a modifier, specifying that a particular variable or condition remained unchanged during a process or experiment. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage. It is used to ensure that observed changes can be attributed to other factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Academia

20%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "held constant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly within scientific and academic contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to denote the unchanging state of a variable during a process, ensuring experimental validity. When employing this phrase, prioritize clarity and accuracy, explicitly specifying which variables were kept constant and why. While "held constant" is most common in formal writing, understanding its function is crucial for comprehending research findings and technical documentation. Consider using alternatives like "remained unchanged" or "kept stable" to diversify your writing while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unchanged

Focuses on the lack of change over time, emphasizing stability.

kept stable

Highlights the active maintenance of stability.

maintained consistently

Emphasizes the uniformity and regularity of the maintenance.

kept invariable

Stresses the complete lack of variation.

fixed

Implies a firm and unyielding state.

standardized

Points towards the creation of a standard or norm that doesn't change.

not varying

Directly indicates the absence of variation.

stabilized

Highlights the act of making something stable and unmoving.

retained uniformity

Focuses on keeping things uniform and consistent.

preserved constant

Stresses effort made to continue a situation where something stays the same.

FAQs

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

Use "held constant" to describe variables that are intentionally kept the same in an experiment or analysis. For example, "Temperature was "held constant" to isolate the effect of pressure".

What are some alternatives to "held constant"?

Alternatives include "remained unchanged", "kept stable", or "maintained consistently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hold constant" instead of "held constant"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct depending on the context. "Hold constant" is often used in instructions or hypothetical situations, while "held constant" describes a past or present action. For example, "We will hold the temperature constant" vs. "The temperature was "held constant" during the experiment".

What does it mean when a variable is "held constant" in a scientific experiment?

It means that the variable's value is not allowed to change during the experiment. This ensures that any observed effects are due to changes in other variables, rather than the one "held constant".