steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is stable, constant, or not subject to change, often in contexts related to movement, emotions, or conditions. Example: "She took a deep breath to steady her nerves before speaking in front of the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over the past decade, Kazakhs have experienced a steady reduction in individual rights.

The Guardian

It is striking that in the big three public service areas – schools health and welfare – the overall tone is largely "steady as she goes" rather than a change of course.

The Guardian

The authors of the PLOS One study also published a paper in Obesity Facts (although, again, the study was small) showing that people whose weight fluctuated the most over the week were actually the most likely to keep their weight steady – perhaps because this is actually the normal rhythm of our weight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We've been seeing a steady decline in commercial media in regional areas – in recent weeks alone commercial operators have announced cuts to news broadcasts, the number of journalists and days of newspaper publication," Reynolds told Weekly Beast.

The Guardian

Updated at 9.58am BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 9.51am BST09:51 6th over: England 24-1 (Taylor 9, Knight 1) This would be a steady start in a 50-over game – England are going to have to go some from here.

The Guardian - Sport

At the ferry port, we wait for hours in the afternoon sun, street sellers sustaining us with a steady supply of fried plantain crisps covered in mango syrup.

The Guardian - Travel

A steady practice that leaves you a bit better equipped to pause before lashing out, to rise above perceived slights and not be put off by the usual setbacks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But next to the steady diet of Jersey shenanigans and rampaging teen moms MTV feeds its constituency, the Skins ensemble can't help but seem a little smaller than life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the 35 years since, the group's enormous talent (and intermittent reissues of their classic album) have meant that even if their profile has done anything but build, their steady audience has been given reason to remain devout and committed.

The Guardian - Music

But at least, it seems, he can rely on a steady supply of goals from Cerci.

The Guardian - Sport

UK use has stayed remarkably steady too, according to the data which shows a slight rise over time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steady" to describe progress or improvement, ensure it aligns with a sense of reliability and gradual advancement. Don't use it when referring to sudden, dramatic changes.

Common error

Avoid using "steady" to describe situations characterized by significant fluctuations or unpredictability. For instance, instead of saying "the stock market showed a steady increase" during a period of high volatility, opt for terms like "variable" or "unstable".

Linguistic Context

Steady primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of stability, regularity, or consistency. According to Ludwig AI, it is generally used to indicate a lack of sudden change or fluctuation, as seen in examples like "steady decline" or "steady supply".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "steady" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting stability, consistency, or regularity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency of use is very common, particularly in News & Media. When using "steady", ensure that it aligns with a sense of gradual and reliable progress, avoiding its application to situations marked by volatility. Alternatives such as "stable", "constant", and "consistent" offer nuanced options depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stable

Implies resistance to change or movement.

Constant

Suggests continuity and lack of variation over time.

Consistent

Highlights a pattern of uniformity or reliability.

Regular

Indicates adherence to a fixed interval or pattern.

Firm

Emphasizes strength and resistance to being moved or changed.

Unwavering

Suggests resolute and determined consistency.

Fixed

Implies immobility and permanence.

Even

Highlights the absence of fluctuations or disruptions.

Solid

Indicates reliability and dependability.

Unchanging

Emphasizes the lack of alteration or modification.

FAQs

How can I use "steady" in a sentence?

You can use "steady" to describe something that is stable, constant, or not subject to change. For example, "She took a deep breath to "steady her nerves" before speaking in front of the audience".

What can I say instead of "steady"?

You can use alternatives like "stable", "constant", or "consistent" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "steady progress" or "fast progress"?

Both phrases are correct, but they convey different meanings. "Steady progress" implies gradual and consistent advancement, while "fast progress" indicates rapid advancement.

What's the difference between "steady" and "stable"?

"Steady" often implies a continuous or consistent state, whereas "stable" suggests resistance to change or disruption. For instance, a "steady income" suggests consistent earnings, while a "stable foundation" indicates a resistance to movement.