B2adverb2K

Consistently

UK /["/kənˈsɪstəntli/"]/US /["/kənˈsɪstəntli/"]/

Definition

always the same

In simple words: doing something in the same way over time

Examples

  • Her work has been of a consistently high standard.
  • We have argued consistently for a change in the law.
  • European policymakers have consistently failed to respond to economic shocks.
  • Studies have not consistently demonstrated any benefit.

Usage notes

Used to describe actions that are done regularly and without change. Appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'Consistently' as 'Con-sistently' - A consistent person sits at the same chair every day.

Collocations

  • perform consistently
  • think consistently
  • act consistently

Synonyms

  • regularly
  • uniformly
  • steadily
  • reliably

Antonyms

  • inconsistently
  • irregularly
  • sporadically
  • erratically

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'constant', thinking both mean the same.
  • Using it incorrectly with countable nouns, e.g. 'consistently good results' is correct, but they say 'consistently results'.
  • Omitting it when necessary, e.g. saying 'he is good' instead of 'he is consistently good'.