a little steeper

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Obviously, the hill gets a little steeper now".

The New York Times

Well, the Nets' mountain just got a little steeper.

The New York Times - Sports

Both had probably overstreched themselves, which made the decline that followed a little steeper.

The New York Times

"I love deep and steep, but sometimes it's a little steeper than I'd rather," he says.

The New York Times

"But I think the hill's a little steeper for a mega-merger".

The New York Times

Some are a little steeper, like solar is actually declining a little faster than 20% for every generation, or doubling.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

A single line is a little steep at $70 a month.

The Washington Post

Ms. Buzzell declared the lunch plates, at $8.99, a little steep for the area.

The New York Times

The price - £50 - seemed a little steep, but it is worth every penny.

The Guardian - Books

$9.95 plus tax for 24-hour access does seem a little steep.

The Guardian

The total of £96.58, including a £29.95 bottle of Chablis, seems a little steep for Eastern European comfort food.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little steeper" to subtly indicate an increase in difficulty or challenge without being overly dramatic. For example, when describing a project or task, saying the learning curve is "a little steeper" suggests it requires more effort, but is still manageable.

Common error

Avoid using "a little steeper" when the increase is actually significant. Using it to describe a major change can be misleading and undermine your credibility. Choose stronger terms if the change is substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little steeper" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, specifically modifying a noun or verb to indicate a degree of increase in difficulty, incline, or challenge. As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe situations that have become marginally more difficult.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little steeper" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that subtly indicates an increase in difficulty or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While primarily neutral in register, it's important to avoid using it when describing a change is more significant than "a little". Consider alternatives like "slightly more challenging" or "a bit more demanding" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly more challenging

Focuses on the increased difficulty of something.

a bit more demanding

Emphasizes the increased effort required.

somewhat more intense

Highlights an increase in intensity.

marginally more difficult

Indicates a slight increase in difficulty.

a shade more inclined

Emphasizes the incline or slope.

fractionally more elevated

Highlights a small increase in elevation.

a touch more uphill

Focuses on the upward direction.

imperceptibly more sloped

Suggests a very slight increase in slope.

a tad more arduous

Emphasizes the challenging nature.

miniutely more vertical

Emphasizes the angle toward a vertical position.

FAQs

How can I use "a little steeper" in a sentence?

You can use "a little steeper" to describe a situation that has become slightly more challenging or difficult. For example, "After the new regulations, the path to success became "a little steeper"".

What are some alternatives to "a little steeper"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "slightly more challenging", "a bit more demanding", or "somewhat more intense" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a little steeper"?

It is appropriate to use "a little steeper" when you want to convey that something has become marginally more difficult or challenging, but not overwhelmingly so. It's suitable for subtle changes or increases in intensity.

Is "a little steeper" formal or informal?

"A little steeper" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the specific audience and adjust the phrasing if necessary for highly formal situations.