nice and steady

USAGE SUMMARY

"nice and steady" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a gradual and careful pace. For example, "We proceeded with the task at a nice and steady pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'm gonna shear nice and steady," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Single here, double there, single here, double there, nice and steady.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a matter if I can keep nice and steady between the ears.

The New York Times - Sports

The video was shot from the "perfect angle, nice and steady," Trump said, warming to his story.

The New Yorker

"He started off nice and steady, which Shug wanted, and finished up strong," Jennifer Patterson, Orb's exercise rider, said, referring to Orb and trainer Shug McGaughey.

The New York Times

As Murtagh said: 'Looking at the race beforehand, I thought it might be tactical and when we were going nice and steady, I knew I was in the right place.' The damage for Manning, and the others, was done in the early stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Gerber uses a slow-and-steady approach.

Forbes

Their top stays stationary so they're nice and square and their hands are steady when they hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Jamaicans drink slow and steady, that's why we like rum, 'cos it goes down nice.

Vice

Not that I think I've ever really been at the top, but I've had a nice steady career and I've been able to reinvent myself and try new things.

Huffington Post

As the field hit the turn, Jose Ortiz seemed to have Moreno in a nice, steady gear, and the challengers immediately behind him were falling back, the most prominent among them Verrazano.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nice and steady" to describe a process or action that requires a consistent, unhurried approach, particularly when precision or stability is important. For instance, "He approached the delicate task with a nice and steady hand."

Common error

Avoid using "nice and steady" in situations where rapid action or immediate results are expected. The phrase implies a lack of urgency, which may be inappropriate in time-sensitive scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nice and steady" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the manner in which something is done. Ludwig examples show it describing pace, approach, or movement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nice and steady" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe a calm, controlled, and consistent approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound phrase, common in news, sports reporting, and general contexts. While effective in conveying stability and gradual progress, it's important to consider the specific context and avoid overuse in situations that demand urgency. Alternatives like ""smooth and consistent"" or "slow and deliberate" may be more appropriate for formal writing. The phrase is mostly used in "News & Media", as confirmed by Ludwig analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smooth and consistent

Replaces "nice" with "smooth" and "steady" with "consistent", maintaining the overall meaning of a stable and even approach.

gradual and stable

Emphasizes the slowness and stability of the process, suitable when the pace is particularly important.

easy does it

An idiomatic phrase suggesting a gentle and careful approach, often used to calm someone down.

slow and deliberate

Highlights the intentional and unhurried nature of the action.

measured and constant

Focuses on the balance and regularity of the progress.

leisurely and balanced

Suggests a relaxed and harmonious approach, ideal for tasks that shouldn't be rushed.

gentle and even

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of abrupt changes in the process.

calm and unhurried

Focuses on the tranquil and relaxed nature of the approach.

patient and unwavering

Highlights the perseverance and steadfastness of the approach.

step by step

Indicates a methodical approach, focusing on incremental progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "nice and steady" in a sentence?

Use "nice and steady" to describe an action or process that benefits from a controlled and consistent pace. For example, "She maintained a "smooth and consistent" approach to her training regimen."

What are some alternative phrases to "nice and steady"?

Consider using alternatives such as "gradual and stable", "easy does it", or "slow and deliberate" depending on the context.

Is "nice and steady" appropriate for formal writing?

While "nice and steady" is widely understood, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "measured and constant" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "nice and steady" and "step by step"?

"Nice and steady" implies a consistent pace and control, while "step by step" focuses on the methodical progression through a series of actions. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific emphasis you want to convey.