a high cliff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high cliff" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a steep or elevated rock formation, often in a geographical or scenic context. Example: "The hikers stood at the edge of a high cliff, gazing down at the valley below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

That's a real dive off a high cliff.

The New York Times

It has a romantic location on a high cliff overlooking the sea.

Independent

Mr. Vaes's backdrop depicts a high cliff rising over a turbulent lake.

The New York Times - Arts

Before he left the house, and before he jumped from a high cliff into a ravine, he had left a note to his family on his computer.

The Economist

Taz and Richard discover the lifeless body of an elderly hiker caught in a tree at the foot of a high cliff.

The New York Times - Books

Sorrento is built along the top of a high cliff, and getting up and down to the seafront can be a tiring and tedious trek.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Along the peninsula's northern coast, a plateau slopes gently northward to a high, cliffed shore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Periodically plunged into a ravine of agony, patients were subsequently guided to jump off a higher cliff.

Huffington Post

Mr. Fuller plays James, who not only miraculously survived a fall from a very high cliff in his hometown but also came away from the experience with the power to heal people by touching them.

The New York Times

Only later did the world learn that they were taken to Preah Vihear -- known as Phra Viharn to Thais -- a 1,000-year-old 1,000-year-old 1,000-year-old-footemple cliff overlooking thatCambodian plainsits

Huffington Post

Unfortunately, half the fossil was smashed by the giant excavator bucket into many tens of large pieces, and the other half was embedded 8m up a 12m high cliff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape, use "a high cliff" to create a sense of scale and drama. Be specific about the height or visual impact for greater effect.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a high cliff" when describing landscapes. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "steep bluff" or "towering rock face" to maintain reader interest and add nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high cliff" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig confirms, this construction is grammatically sound. The examples demonstrate its use in describing geographical features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a high cliff" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is suitable for various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and descriptive narratives. Its primary function is to describe a geographical feature, often evoking a sense of scale or danger. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "steep bluff" or "towering rock face" for richer descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tall precipice

Replaces "high cliff" with synonyms emphasizing the steepness and height.

a steep bluff

Uses "bluff" instead of "cliff", indicating a broad, rounded cliff.

an elevated promontory

More formal, using "promontory" to denote a high point of land projecting into a body of water.

a towering rock face

Focuses on the rock composition and immense height of the cliff.

a sheer drop

Emphasizes the verticality and suddenness of the descent from the cliff.

a lofty crag

Uses "crag" for a rugged, rocky projection, suggesting a less smooth cliff face.

a precipitous height

Highlights the dangerous and steep nature of the height.

a commanding headland

Implies a prominent cliff offering a wide view or strategic position.

a soaring palisade

Suggests a line of high, steep cliffs resembling a defensive wall.

a vertical escarpment

More technical, referring to a steep slope or cliff formed by erosion or faulting.

FAQs

How can I use "a high cliff" in a sentence?

You can use "a high cliff" to describe a landscape feature, for example, "The village was perched precariously on "a high cliff" overlooking the sea."

What are some alternatives to "a high cliff"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "steep bluff", "tall precipice", or "towering rock face".

Is it correct to say "a high cliff" or should I use "tall cliff"?

Both ""a high cliff"" and "tall cliff" are acceptable, but ""a high cliff"" is more commonly used. "Tall" might emphasize the vertical dimension more directly, but ""a high cliff"" is a standard expression.

What imagery does "a high cliff" evoke?

"A high cliff" typically evokes images of danger, dramatic landscapes, and expansive views. It can also suggest a sense of isolation or a point of no return.