it was steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was steady" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, condition, or state that remained constant or stable over a period of time. Example: "The heartbeat monitor showed that it was steady throughout the procedure."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

News Reporting

Business Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It was steady, prudential and defensive, and its most articulate spokesman was the diplomat George F. Kennan.

The New York Times - Books

It was steady: Minnesota came.

The Guardian - Music

It was steady money, too, where painting was unpredictable.

The Economist

The pay wasn't great, but it was steady.

The New York Times

The plastic palm business started slowly, but it was steady.

The New York Times

It was steady work, but after a while it just wasn't very fulfilling".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was steadying, after all that sake and needless brooding.

The New York Times - Food

Now it was steadied by nothing at all above the main deck; every stay and shroud had been shot away.

University of Chicago

Though the trend is small, it's steady and definitely has innovation on its side.

Huffington Post

"It's steady progress.

The Guardian

It's steady droppin' calls.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was steady" when you want to contrast a period of stability with a previous or subsequent period of change or volatility.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it was steady" in narratives that require varied descriptions. While it conveys stability, overuse can make your writing monotonous. Instead, incorporate synonyms and more descriptive phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was steady" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something maintained a consistent or stable state over a period. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was steady" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of stability or consistency. Ludwig confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of reliability or lack of significant change. While versatile, overuse should be avoided in favor of more descriptive alternatives to maintain reader engagement. It's important to note that the phrase is considered appropriate across different registers, including formal writing, but is particularly effective when contrasting a period of stability with volatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it remained consistent

Focuses on the continuation of a consistent state.

it held constant

Emphasizes the unchanging nature of something.

it stayed stable

Highlights the stability and lack of fluctuation.

it persisted unchanged

Stresses the lack of alteration over time.

it continued uniformly

Emphasizes the consistent manner of continuation.

it progressed smoothly

Highlights a lack of interruptions or problems while moving forward.

it ran like clockwork

Uses an idiom to describe predictable and reliable performance.

it proceeded without incident

Focuses on the absence of problems or disruptions.

it maintained its course

Emphasizes the adherence to a specific path or direction.

it demonstrated consistency

Highlights the consistent behavior or pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "it was steady" in a sentence?

Use "it was steady" to describe something that remained constant or stable over a period. For example, "The company's growth, while not explosive, "it was steady"".

What are some alternatives to "it was steady"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it remained consistent", "it stayed stable", or "it held constant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was steady" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it was steady" is generally appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing trends, progress, or conditions. However, consider using more sophisticated vocabulary if the context warrants it.

What's the difference between "it was steady" and "it was consistent"?

While similar, ""it was steady"" implies a lack of significant fluctuation, whereas "it was consistent" suggests a regular and unchanging pattern or behavior. The choice depends on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.