a steady climb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady climb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual and consistent increase in something, such as performance, prices, or progress. Example: "The company's profits have shown a steady climb over the past three years, indicating strong growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This is not a steady climb.

The New York Times

Leading indexes have been on a steady climb for the last few years.

The New York Times

With energy prices on a steady climb, consumers have been looking for ways to cut back.

The New York Times

After a steady climb in the opinion polls, the race was suddenly threatening to slip away.

The New York Times

A steady climb to over 4,200m lay ahead, before the sudden surprise view of Kidney Lake.

Independent

So the operation was absolutely the breakthrough moment for her, and since she's been doing a steady climb".

The New York Times - Sports

That is nearly twice the level of 1998 and is consistent with a steady climb since then.

The New York Times

Our guide, Benedikt, kitted us out with equipment and we began a steady climb to a summit with panoramic views.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a steady climb up to Brent Tor, an extinct volcano topped by a 14th-century chapel.

The Guardian - Travel

With a little coaching and some added muscle on his frame, he began a steady climb up the twin ladders of velocity and professional ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite several lineup changes, the band has had a steady climb since it was formed in Memphis and released its self-titled debut album in 1996.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steady climb" when you want to convey a sense of consistent and gradual progress, especially in situations where sudden spikes or drops are not expected or desired.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady climb" when describing scenarios that demand rapid or exponential growth. This phrase is better suited for depicting gradual and consistent progression rather than immediate, substantial surges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady climb" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to describe a gradual and consistent increase or progression. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it describes upward trends in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steady climb" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a consistent and gradual increase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, and conveys a sense of reliable progress. When writing, use it to emphasize consistent advancement, but avoid it in scenarios demanding rapid growth. Consider alternatives like "a gradual ascent" or "a consistent rise" for nuanced emphasis. The numerous examples available through Ludwig illustrate its broad applicability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gradual ascent

Emphasizes the upward movement aspect of the climb.

a consistent increase

Focuses on the continuous growth or augmentation.

a progressive rise

Highlights the ongoing and forward-moving nature of the increase.

a continuous growth

Stresses uninterrupted expansion or development.

an incremental improvement

Points out small, step-by-step advancements.

a stable uptrend

Suggests a reliable and positive direction.

a measured advance

Implies a careful and deliberate forward movement.

a sustained progression

Highlights the prolonged or maintained character of the advancement.

a systematic escalation

Focuses on a structured and methodical increase.

a regular augmentation

Emphasizes the predictable and recurring nature of the increase.

FAQs

How can I use "a steady climb" in a sentence?

You can use "a steady climb" to describe a gradual increase in something, for example: "The company experienced "a steady climb" in profits this quarter.".

What are some alternatives to "a steady climb"?

Alternatives to "a steady climb" include "a gradual increase", "a consistent rise", or "a progressive growth".

Is it better to say "a steady climb" or "a rapid increase"?

The best choice depends on the context. "A steady climb" implies a gradual and consistent increase, while "a rapid increase" suggests a fast and potentially less stable growth. Use "a steady climb" when slow, consistent progress is intended; otherwise use "a rapid increase".

What does "a steady climb" imply?

"A steady climb" implies a consistent and gradual increase over time, without significant fluctuations or setbacks. This is frequently used to describe growth in sales, progress in a project, or improvement in a skill.