a rather steep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rather steep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has a significant incline or a high degree of difficulty, often in relation to prices, slopes, or challenges. Example: "The hike was enjoyable, but the last section was a rather steep climb that tested our endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

tested cost a rather steep £9 – including the bottom-ranked Omicron Dimmable Multi-tube (pictured).

Independent

Soups are £3.95, sandwiches from £2.50 and panini a rather steep £6.25.

The Guardian - Travel

CONS: The single entrance requires a walk up a rather steep spiral staircase.

The New York Times

Mortgage interest rates in Dubai currently average a rather steep 9%, either from international lenders like Lloyds TSB, or local players such as Tamweel.

The Economist

Now the results are available as bespoke wall art, which she's selling online at a rather steep $12,000 in cahoots with luxury furniture designer Christopher Guy.

The Guardian - Arts

That might sound like a rather steep trajectory, but finding success via series of televised popularity contests is, I imagine, a particularly brutal path through what's probably the most savage sector of the entertainment business.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Not married women had very high rates (around 200/100.000) up to their mid-thirties with a steady and rather steep decline thereafter to values around 500/100.00 after age 60.

BMC Psychiatry

But if the crash is going to begin in June, then what you should really do is....He then posts a chart illustrating the rather steep hill down which the Shanghai composite has rolled since late 2007.Of course, this makes me think about oil markets (most things do).

The Economist

This seems to be a rather a steep price.

Huffington Post

We were able to pay for my dad's rather steep assisted-living bill through a combination of his annual income and the proceeds from the sale of his apartment.

The New York Times - Health

Alex's father Claud was probably the best frontline reporter during the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War -- and the competition was rather steep for that designation -- and a brilliant essayist on everything from British foreign policy to Irish agricultural practices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial costs, ensure that the context clarifies what makes the cost "a rather steep" one. Compare it to alternatives or typical prices for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a rather steep" to describe gradual inclines or changes. This phrase implies a significant and noticeable difference or difficulty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rather steep" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to describe a quality of the noun as having a significant incline, difficulty, or cost. It is commonly used to add emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rather steep" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the significant degree of an incline, cost, or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While "a rather steep" can often be replaced with alternatives like "quite sharp" or "considerably high", careful consideration of the specific nuance is important. When using "a rather steep", it's important to ensure the context clarifies the specific reason for the assessment, and it should be reserved for situations that truly involve a noticeable difference or difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quite sharp

This alternative emphasizes the abruptness of the incline or increase, suggesting a more sudden change compared to "steep".

a considerably high

This phrase highlights the magnitude or extent of something, such as a price or difficulty, making it more about quantity than gradient.

a fairly precipitous

Similar to "steep", but can also imply danger or instability. It is more dramatic and less frequently used.

a relatively sharp

This indicates a significant change or incline, but to a more moderate extent than "a rather steep".

a decidedly abrupt

It expresses a sudden and unexpected change or increase, focusing on the speed and unexpected nature of the change.

a notably elevated

Focuses on height or level, suitable when discussing metrics or scales, less about physical inclines.

a remarkably sudden

Emphasizes the speed and lack of warning, applicable when describing changes that happen quickly.

an unexpectedly high

It expresses that something is higher or greater than anticipated, applicable to prices or numerical values.

a surprisingly significant

Focuses on the impact of something being notable or consequential, without necessarily implying incline or difficulty.

an unusually extreme

It indicates something is beyond the normal or expected range, suggesting a deviation from the standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rather steep" to describe a significant incline, a high price, or a difficult challenge. For example, "The mountain path had "a rather steep" incline" or "The repair bill was "a rather steep" price to pay".

What's a less formal way to say "a rather steep"?

Informally, you could say "pretty steep" or "quite steep". These alternatives maintain a similar meaning but are more casual in tone.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a rather steep"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a challenge or a high cost, it can also be used neutrally to describe a gradient or incline, like ""a rather steep" hill".

What words are synonyms with "steep"?

Synonyms for "steep" include "precipitous", "sheer", and "abrupt". These words can often be used in place of "steep", depending on the specific context.