As steep as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As steep as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make comparisons regarding the steepness of an incline or metaphorically to describe something that is difficult or challenging. Example: "The hill was as steep as a mountain, making it a tough climb for the hikers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Some prices are as steep as $60,000.

The Economist

But it was not as steep as forecasts, which called for a 8.3 percent decline.

The New York Times

But for an executive it can be just as steep as in a Western city.

The Economist

While the decline was not as steep as expected, economists cited areas of concern.

The New York Times

A dollop goes a long way, so the price isn't as steep as it would seem.

The New York Times

In some spots, the path was as steep as a set of stairs.

The New York Times - Travel

The declines on Thursday were not as steep as in previous days.

The New York Times

The rest of the way up was, indeed, "as steep as the roof of a house".

The New Yorker

Pushing off, I began bounding down a slope as steep as a Victorian roof.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Rhame is expecting a dollar decline, but maybe not as steep as that.

The New York Times

Some Caribbean islands, for example, impose taxes as steep as 17percentt on villa rentals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as steep as" to describe non-physical concepts like price increases or learning curves, ensure the comparison is clear and relatable. For example, "The learning curve was as steep as climbing a mountain."

Common error

Avoid using "as steep as" in contexts where a different adjective would be more appropriate. For instance, don't use it to describe emotions (e.g., "as steep as anger"); instead, use adjectives like "intense" or "overwhelming".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as steep as" is to serve as a comparative phrase, used to describe something by comparing its degree of steepness (literal or metaphorical) to something else. Ludwig examples show its use in comparing prices, slopes, and declines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Los Angeles Times

2%

BBC

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as steep as" is a commonly used comparative phrase that serves to emphasize the degree of inclination, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As the examples show, it appears frequently in news and media, scientific writing, and general descriptions, making it a versatile tool for expressing intensity and difficulty. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and appropriate for the context. Alternatives like ""as inclined as"" or ""as challenging as"" can be used to subtly shift the focus while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as inclined as

This alternative directly relates to the physical steepness of something, similar to the original phrase.

as sharp as

This alternative can be used to describe a sudden and significant change or gradient, mirroring the abruptness implied by "steep".

as precipitous as

This alternative emphasizes the sudden and potentially dangerous nature of a steep slope or decline.

as challenging as

This alternative shifts the focus from physical steepness to the difficulty associated with something.

as arduous as

This alternative underscores the effort and exertion required when facing something difficult, like a steep climb.

as difficult as

This is a more general alternative, referring to the level of hardship or complexity involved.

as formidable as

This alternative highlights the intimidating or overwhelming nature of something that is "steep", whether physically or metaphorically.

as extreme as

This alternative denotes the intensity and extremity of a situation, mirroring the drastic nature of something described as "steep".

as drastic as

This alternative is used when referring to a significant and sudden change, such as a sharp decline or increase.

as considerable as

This alternative emphasizes the significant degree or amount of something, often used when discussing changes or differences.

FAQs

How can I use "as steep as" in a sentence?

You can use "as steep as" to compare the gradient of slopes (e.g., "The hill was as steep as a ski slope") or metaphorically to describe a challenging situation (e.g., "The learning curve was as steep as expected").

What are some alternatives to "as steep as"?

Alternatives include "as inclined as", "as sharp as", "as challenging as", or "as difficult as", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as steep as" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "as steep as" metaphorically when describing something that requires significant effort or presents a considerable challenge, such as a rapid increase in prices or a difficult learning process.

What is the difference between "as steep as" and "as high as"?

"As steep as" refers to the angle or gradient of something, whereas "as high as" refers to the vertical extent or altitude. For example, a mountain can be both as steep as a cliff and as high as 10,000 feet.