pretty stable

USAGE SUMMARY

"pretty stable" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally means that something (an environment, a situation, etc.) is not changing much, and is either secure or reliable. For example, "The economy has been pretty stable since the election, with no major shifts in industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And I'm pretty stable with my cancer.

The New York Times

(Suurhusen's bell tower is considered pretty stable).

The New York Times

"All I know is, the game was pretty stable".

The Guardian - Tech

Personally, I think the earnings picture is pretty stable.

The New York Times

"I have always thought that United's business was pretty stable.

The New York Times

I have a pretty stable relationship that brings me love and happiness and comfort.

The Guardian

I think economically we're in a pretty stable, sound condition," she said.

The Guardian - Books

"I think everybody has had emotional distress but, yes, I think I'm pretty stable".

The Guardian - Film

This set the pattern for the company, which has remained pretty stable ever since.

The Guardian

"The water has to get to a pretty stable 39.9 degrees," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

That stayed pretty stable until the 1990's, when the grosses started climbing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty stable" to describe situations, systems, or conditions that are not undergoing significant changes or fluctuations. This phrase is suitable when conveying a sense of security or reliability.

Common error

While "pretty stable" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "relatively constant" or "largely consistent" for academic or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty stable" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier, describing the state or condition of a noun. It indicates a moderate degree of consistency, reliability, or lack of significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty stable" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe something that is in a steady state and not undergoing significant changes. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it may not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing, it effectively conveys a sense of reliability and consistency. Consider alternatives like "fairly consistent" or "relatively steady" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly consistent

Replaces "stable" with "consistent" emphasizing predictability and regularity.

reasonably steady

Uses "steady" instead of "stable" suggesting a continuous and even state.

moderately reliable

Focuses on the dependability aspect of stability.

somewhat constant

Highlights the unchanging nature of stability.

largely unchanged

Emphasizes the lack of alteration.

generally balanced

Indicates a state of equilibrium similar to stability.

relatively secure

Shifts the focus to the safety and security implied by stability.

quite dependable

Highlights the trustworthiness and reliability of something.

noticeably firm

Emphasizes the strength and solidity aspect of stability.

appreciably maintained

Suggests an effort to keep something in a stable condition.

FAQs

What does "pretty stable" mean?

The phrase "pretty stable" indicates that something is in a steady state, not changing significantly, and is generally reliable or secure. It suggests a moderate level of consistency.

How can I use "pretty stable" in a sentence?

You might say, "The housing market has been "pretty stable" recently," or "Her mental health is "pretty stable" with medication."

What are some alternatives to saying "pretty stable"?

Alternatives include "fairly consistent", "reasonably steady", or "moderately reliable", depending on the context.

Is "pretty stable" appropriate for formal writing?

While commonly understood, "pretty stable" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "relatively constant" or "largely unchanged".