a flight of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flight of steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a set of stairs or a staircase, often in a more poetic or formal context. Example: "She climbed the flight of steps leading to the grand entrance of the mansion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A foot found the bottom of a flight of steps.

The New Yorker

Sometimes a dancer charges, dramatically, up a flight of steps.

The New York Times

What links the trio, of course, is a flight of steps.

The New Yorker

At the weekend he could barely climb a flight of steps to lay a wreath.

The Economist

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS -- Restrooms are accessible, but the entrance is up a flight of steps.

The New York Times

A slab of stone worn smooth in a flight of steps: fantastic.

The New Yorker

He tripped on a flight of steps and fell, a moment captured in these television images.

The New York Times

Mosaics of pebbles had been made on a flight of steps.

The Guardian - Travel

The flight attendant asked me if I could walk down a flight of steps.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was just too heavy to carry up a flight of steps," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I can't even walk up a flight of steps like I used to.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accessibility, be specific about the number of steps in "a flight of steps" to provide clear information.

Common error

Avoid using "a flight of steps" when referring to a single step or a very small number of steps; reserve it for describing a noticeable series of steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flight of steps" primarily functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a series of steps or a staircase. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe physical locations, actions involving steps, and accessibility features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a flight of steps" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a set of stairs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and is often used in descriptive contexts across various sources, including news, academia, and travel writing. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, suitable for a broad audience. While alternatives like "a staircase" or "a set of stairs" exist, "a flight of steps" provides a slightly more formal or literary feel. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately represents a series of steps, rather than just a single step.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of stairs

Replaces "flight" with "set", offering a more common and less formal wording.

a staircase

Uses a single word to convey the same meaning, suitable for concise descriptions.

a series of steps

Emphasizes the sequential arrangement of the steps.

a bank of steps

Suggests a larger or more imposing set of steps.

a run of steps

Implies a continuous sequence of steps without interruption.

a tier of steps

Highlights the layered or elevated arrangement of the steps.

a gradation of steps

Focuses on the gradual change in elevation provided by the steps.

a rising staircase

Emphasizes the upward direction of the staircase.

a descending staircase

Emphasizes the downward direction of the staircase.

a stepped ascent

Formal way of saying steps that go up

FAQs

How can I use "a flight of steps" in a sentence?

You can use "a flight of steps" to describe someone ascending or descending stairs, such as, "She carefully climbed "a flight of steps" to reach the attic."

What's the difference between "a flight of steps" and "a staircase"?

"A staircase" is a more general term for a set of stairs, while ""a flight of steps"" often implies a continuous series of steps between two levels or landings. The terms are often interchangeable.

What can I say instead of "a flight of steps"?

You can use alternatives like "a set of stairs", "a staircase", or "a series of steps depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a flight of stairs" instead of "a flight of steps"?

Yes, "a flight of stairs" is a common and acceptable alternative to ""a flight of steps"". Both phrases refer to a series of steps connecting different levels.