a bit steeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bit steeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an incline or slope that is slightly more pronounced than another. Example: "The trail became a bit steeper as we approached the summit, making it more challenging to climb."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"The hill's getting pushed a bit steeper," conceded the manager Ray Graydon.

The Guardian - Sport

But at least one funicular in France has a segment that is a bit steeper, Mr. Azema said.

The New York Times - Tech

We found something a bit steeper, and felt the big drifts of snow slough alongside us as we descended.

The New York Times - Travel

The emphasis is on great food as well as jazz; prices are a bit steeper than Montmartre (€38, students €26) but the programme and the setting are outstanding.

The Guardian - Travel

At €10, the just-renovated Our Lord in the Attic is a bit steeper, but is worth it for a glimpse of a secret 17th-century church ensconced in a historic canal house.

The Guardian - Travel

The second competition at Snowbasin for us was the super-G, which is basically a shorter version of the downhill, but with tighter turns, a bit steeper in parts, covering a little more than half the bigger course.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Maintenance is a bit steep.

The New York Times

"That's a bit steep!" wrote one.

Independent

THE BILL A bit steep (though portions are big).

The New York Times

A bit steep for dishes that were not exceptional.

The New York Times

Parents often find the $250 monthly tuition a bit steep.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in terrain or difficulty, use "a bit steeper" to indicate a moderate increase in incline. This helps to prepare the reader for a slightly more challenging situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a bit steeper" when the change is actually significant. Overstating the incline can mislead your audience and diminish the impact of truly steep inclines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bit steeper" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its incline or slope. As Ludwig AI highlights, it indicates a slight increase in steepness compared to something else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bit steeper" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a moderate increase in incline or slope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjectival phrase, providing a descriptive detail suitable for neutral and even professional contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, understanding the subtle nuances of the phrase and its alternatives, such as "slightly more inclined", allows for more precise and impactful writing. Remember that it's important not to overstate the change in incline when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a little steeper

Replaces "a bit" with "a little" for simplicity while maintaining the same meaning.

slightly more inclined

Replaces "steeper" with "inclined" and uses "slightly" instead of "a bit", offering a more formal tone.

a shade more inclined

Similar to 'slightly more inclined' but employs 'a shade' to soften the intensity of the steepness.

marginally sharper

Substitutes "steeper" with "sharper", focusing on the angle, and "a bit" with "marginally", indicating a slight difference.

slightly more graded

Utilizes 'graded' to imply steepness and uses 'slightly' to indicate the small degree of increase.

somewhat more precipitous

Replaces "steeper" with "precipitous", indicating a very steep incline, and "a bit" with "somewhat", suggesting a moderate level.

barely more sloped

The term 'barely' emphasizes that the steepness is only minimally more than before.

moderately more abrupt

Uses "abrupt" in place of "steeper", highlighting a sudden change in slope, and "moderately" instead of "a bit", maintaining a sense of a slight increase.

a touch more vertical

Emphasizes the vertical aspect of the incline, using "a touch" instead of "a bit" for a subtle difference.

noticeably more uphill

Focuses on the upward direction, using "noticeably" to suggest a perceptible increase in steepness.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a bit steeper"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly more inclined", "marginally sharper", or "just a little steeper depending on the context.

What does "a bit steeper" mean?

It means that something is slightly more inclined or has a slightly greater slope compared to something else. It indicates a moderate increase in steepness.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bit steeper"?

Use it when you want to indicate a moderate increase in the steepness of something, such as a road, a hill, or a learning curve.

Is "a bit steeper" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly formal, it's also not slang and can be used in professional writing.