virtually constant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually constant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that remains almost unchanged or stable over a period of time, with only minor fluctuations. Example: "The temperature in the controlled environment remained virtually constant throughout the experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But unfortunately, I'm suffering from virtually constant fatigue".

The New York Times - Books

From being "really confident" on joining, he has "been under virtually constant stress for the last three years".

The Guardian

The revenue was intended to help finance early childhood education in the city, which is the birthplace of the Starbucks Corporation and scene of virtually constant coffee drinking.

The New York Times

IF microchips were cities, inhabitants would see a virtually constant show of fireworks, with electrons zooming through microscopic roads and throwing out momentary flashes of light.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Adams notes that weekly church attendance among Canadians has plummeted since the 1950's while American church attendance has remained virtually constant.

The New York Times

The reason they can't do it is that the supply of liquor is constant, the demand is constant, and hence the sale is virtually constant.

The New Yorker

In my experience successional sowings can provide a virtually constant supply of fresh flowers for bees, admiration from visitors and, of course, endless cups of tea, right up until October.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since 1977, the wages set by the relevant collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Musicians and the major record companies have remained virtually constant when adjusted for inflation.

The New York Times - Arts

An industry that has known virtually constant growth since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903 is flying without radar, aviation experts say, into the fog of recession.

The New York Times

B1 Husband Sues Liza Minnelli David Gest is suing Liza Minnelli, claiming that while they lived together she went into alcohol-induced rages and beat him so badly that he "suffers from virtually constant, unrelenting pain" in his head.

The New York Times

The ΔR/Rbaseline ratio, however, still remains virtually constant.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually constant" to describe quantities or conditions that exhibit minimal fluctuation over time or across different instances, but acknowledge that minor variations may exist. For example, "The room temperature remained "virtually constant" despite the changing weather outside."

Common error

Avoid using "virtually constant" when significant variations exist. If the fluctuations are noticeable, use a more appropriate term such as "relatively stable" or "generally consistent" to avoid misleading your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually constant" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the degree to which something remains constant. Ludwig's examples show it is used to qualify adjectives relating to stability, consistency, or lack of change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually constant" is a useful phrase for describing something that remains almost unchanged. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence in science, news, and formal writing. While it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, remember to use it when the subject truly exhibits near-stability. Alternatives like "almost unchanging" or "nearly stable" can be used for subtle variations in meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase accurately reflects the concept of minimal fluctuation, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost unchanging

This phrase emphasizes the lack of change over time.

nearly stable

This highlights the stability aspect, suggesting a state close to equilibrium.

practically invariant

This alternative focuses on the quality of not changing or being altered.

substantially uniform

This phrase implies a high degree of evenness and consistency.

essentially the same

This alternative highlights the similarity over time or across different instances.

remains consistent

It focuses on the continuation of a stable state.

largely consistent

Emphasizes consistency but allows for minor variations.

pretty steady

Highlights the stability over time, more informal.

effectively static

This alternative emphasizes the absence of movement or change.

approximately unvarying

Highlights a quality of not changing over time.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually constant" in a sentence?

The phrase "virtually constant" is used to describe something that remains almost unchanged or stable. For example: "The unemployment rate remained "virtually constant" throughout the year."

What are some alternatives to "virtually constant"?

You can use alternatives like "almost unchanging", "nearly stable", or "practically invariant" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "almost constant" instead of "virtually constant"?

Yes, "almost constant" is a suitable alternative to "virtually constant". Both phrases convey the idea of something remaining nearly unchanged. However, "virtually constant" might imply a higher degree of stability. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "virtually constant" and "completely constant"?

"Virtually constant" implies that something remains almost unchanged, with minor variations. "Completely constant", on the other hand, means there are absolutely no changes. If there are any fluctuations, "virtually constant" is more accurate. For example, the value is only "virtually constant", not "completely constant".