hold constant at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold constant at" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where a particular factor or variable remains unchanged or consistent. Example: In our experiment, we will hold the temperature constant at 25 degrees Celsius to control for any potential effects on the reaction. Here, "hold constant at" is used to indicate that the temperature will not fluctuate and will remain at a steady 25 degrees throughout the experiment in order to isolate and accurately observe the effects of other variables.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

Journal of Dairy Science

Rotation rates of the rotary drum were held constant at 10 rpm.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

Crystallization time and reaction temperature were held constant at 7 days and 378 K, respectively.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

pH of the supernatant was monitored and held constant at 7.4.

Nature

Water to binder ratio was held constant at 0.35 for all mortar mixtures.

Construction and Building Materials

Airflow rate and temperature were held constant at 500 m3(STP)/min and 60 °C, as well as the atomizing conditions.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

Released October 30, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 12-month Employment Cost Index (ECI) held constant at 2.0 for a second consecutive quarter.

Cornell University

Geographical isolation between habitats was held constant at eight grid rows on each side of the hybrid habitat.

Nature

The intent is for the shares to be held constant at that value and redeemable at any time.

The New York Times

After last week's debate, the share of undecided voters in the electorate held constant at slightly less than 3%.

The New York Times

The disulfonation mole percent was held constant at 45% (e.g. mole ratio of 3,3′-disulfonated-4,4′-difluorodiphenyl 3,3′-disulfonated-4,4′-difluorodiphenyl 3,3′-disulfonated-4,4′-difluorodiphenyl 3,3′-disulfonated-4,4′-difluorodiphenyl

Journal of Membrane Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing experimental setups or models, use "hold constant at" to clearly indicate which variables are intentionally kept unchanged to isolate the effects of other variables. This enhances clarity and reproducibility.

Common error

Avoid using "hold constant" interchangeably with phrases like "keep constant" without considering the context. "Hold constant at" often implies setting a variable to a specific value and maintaining it, whereas "keep constant" simply suggests maintaining a consistent level, regardless of initial value. Be precise in your language to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold constant at" functions as a directive or descriptive element within a sentence, specifying that a particular variable or factor should be, or was, maintained at a specific value. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hold constant at" is a grammatically sound phrase widely used to indicate that a variable is intentionally maintained at a specific value. Predominantly found in scientific and technical contexts, it serves to provide clarity and ensure reproducibility in experiments and analyses. Ludwig AI confirms that "hold constant at" is correct and commonly used in written English. While alternatives like "maintain at a fixed level" or "keep at a steady rate" exist, precision in language is essential to avoid ambiguity. When writing, use "hold constant at" to clearly indicate controlled variables, especially in scientific or technical documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain at a fixed level

Focuses on the act of maintaining a state rather than initially setting it.

keep at a steady rate

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the variable being held constant.

stabilize at a certain point

Suggests an active process of bringing something to a stable value.

set to a constant value

Highlights the assignment of a specific value.

fix at a predetermined level

Implies a decision made in advance regarding the value.

ensure a consistent level of

Highlights the act of guaranteeing consistency.

regulate to a stable amount

Focuses on the active regulation to achieve stability.

control to a specific degree

Emphasizes the control aspect to remain constant.

stipulate a constant parameter

Highlights a requirement that a parameter must remain constant.

preserve at an unvarying amount

Highlights the preservation of something without changes.

FAQs

How can I use "hold constant at" in a sentence?

You can use "hold constant at" to describe a controlled variable in an experiment, such as "We will "hold constant at" 25 degrees Celsius the temperature of the reaction to observe other effects".

What are some alternatives to using "hold constant at"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include phrases like "maintain at a fixed level", "keep at a steady rate", or "stabilize at a certain point".

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

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "held constant at" is typically used in the past tense or in passive voice constructions, while "hold constant at" is used in the present tense or in instructions. For example, "The temperature was "held constant at" 25°C" versus "Hold constant at 25°C the temperature during the experiment".

What's the difference between "hold constant at" and "remain constant at"?

"Hold constant at" implies an active choice to keep something at a specific value, while "remain constant at" describes a state where something stays at a specific value without active intervention. You "hold constant at" a parameter in a controlled experiment, while something may remain constant at its value due to its natural properties.