a sharp incline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp incline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a steep slope or rise in elevation, often in contexts related to geography, hiking, or physical challenges. Example: "The trail became increasingly difficult as we approached a sharp incline that tested our endurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm handed a helmet and told to sit in a large rubber ring at the base of a sharp incline.

The Guardian - Travel

Immediately to the west, up a sharp incline, is the cathedral (2), the black-and-white stripes of its façade in marked contrast to the warm-pink brick elsewhere.

Independent

The picnic in the car is another staple of British beach habits, said Kath Hamilton, 37, perched on a towel at the top of a sharp incline of large stones at Bexhill Beach, a sandless beach down the coast from Camber Sands.

The New York Times

If I go running down a sharp incline I may be unable to stop or change direction in response to a new impulse.

SEP

Brownhills is located at on the edge of Cannock Chase and lies mostly at a height of approximately 150 metres (492 ft) above sea level, although there is a sharp incline to nearly 180 metres (590 ft) at the eastern end of the town.

Wikipedia

There is a sharp incline in the pre-accreditation slope with an immediate drop post-accreditation survey.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In Lisbon I pop out for a routine run and am treated to something better: the sharp incline of Eduardo VII Park, a slanting rectangle of cobblestone framing a network of precisely manicured hedges that resemble a maze.

The New York Times - Travel

The exact value of performance analysis can't always be measured, but by looking at team GB's impressive rise from twelfth place to third place in the Olympics medals table, there is no doubt this sharp incline has occurred partly as a result of the investment in analytics.

The Guardian - Sport

This sharp incline had different scenery prior to the twentieth century, however.

Princeton University

Because of the tunnel's extremely sharp incline, "the only option they had to get out was to go through the fire," Mr. Nay said of the trapped workers.

The New York Times

A team of 20 rescuers had removed the body of one of five workers trapped by the fire inside the 4,000-foot-long 4,000-foot-long 4,000-foot-long butunnelr efforts were slowed by concerns about the air quality in the tunnel and the tunnel's sharp incline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or routes, use "a sharp incline" to vividly convey the challenge and steepness of a particular section. This adds descriptive impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp incline" when you mean a general upward trend, such as in data or performance. "Incline" specifically refers to a physical slope. Instead, opt for terms like "increase" or "rise" for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp incline" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It characterizes a physical feature, specifically a slope or gradient, emphasizing its steepness. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in describing terrains and pathways.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sharp incline" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, suitable for describing steep slopes or ascents. As verified by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse domains like News & Media, Wiki, Academia, and Science, although it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase enjoys general correctness, writers should be mindful to reserve its application for real physical slopes, and avoid extending it to conceptual "inclines", for which using alternatives as "a sharp increase" are more appropriate. Common alternatives include phrases such as "a steep ascent" or "a precipitous slope", which capture a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep gradient

Emphasizes the rate of change of the slope, making it technically precise.

a steep ascent

Focuses on the upward movement and the difficulty of climbing.

a precipitous slope

Highlights the suddenness and danger of the incline.

a sudden rise

Simplifies the description, focusing on the immediate change in elevation.

a sharp rise

The noun is changed from incline to rise, but sharp is preserved.

an abrupt climb

Highlights the action of climbing a steep path.

a steep bank

Focuses on geographical feature that is steep, like the bank of a river

a sheer slope

Indicates an almost vertical and unbroken incline.

a marked acclivity

Uses a more formal term for an upward slope.

a steep grade

Commonly used in engineering and construction contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a sharp incline" in a sentence?

You can use "a sharp incline" to describe a steep slope or upward climb in a physical setting. For example, "The hiking trail featured "a sharp incline" that tested our stamina."

What are some alternatives to saying "a sharp incline"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a steep slope", "a steep ascent", or "a precipitous slope".

Is it correct to use "a sharp incline" when referring to data trends?

No, "a sharp incline" is best used for physical slopes. For data trends, use terms like "a sharp increase" or "a steep rise".

What's the difference between "a sharp incline" and "a gentle slope"?

"A sharp incline" suggests a steep and challenging upward climb, while "a gentle slope" indicates a gradual and easier ascent. The terms describe opposite gradients.