a steep gradient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep gradient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant incline or slope, often in contexts related to geography, mathematics, or metaphorical situations. Example: "The hikers struggled to ascend the mountain due to the steep gradient of the trail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His path to a career in professional football ran at a steep gradient to begin with.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is one of the most strenuous walks on São Miguel, Manuell explained as we toiled up a steep gradient.

The Guardian - Travel

Generally, Mongolian rivers are swift with a steep gradient or are slow and meandering and prone to flooding in summer.

Britannica

The week following the tsunami shows mostly a noisy oscillation, but after five days, a steep gradient begins.

Princeton University

The tunnel acted as a giant chimney: cool air rushed in one end and out the other at a steep gradient, fanning the fire.

The New Yorker

In its upper course the Vistula is a mountain stream with a steep gradient of up to 5 percent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Intensive agriculture will possess a steep gradient and will locate closer to the market than extensive agriculture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The bacterial population near the surface is large, but it decreases rapidly downward with a steep gradient.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For these conditions, a steep gradient can overtake the protein in the column, causing it to rebind.

Journal of Chromatography A

There is a crevassed glacier approach and an initial ascent up a steep gradient threatened by large seracs – steep and sometimes unstable glacial ice cliffs.

The Guardian

A troop train transporting a battalion of about 650 men became uncoupled from the locomotive in a tunnel between Azizie and Ephesus on a steep gradient.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a rate of change or intensity that increases rapidly, use "a steep gradient" to emphasize the abruptness and significance of the shift. For example, "The company experienced a steep gradient in profit growth after implementing the new marketing strategy."

Common error

Avoid using "a steep gradient" to describe a linear or gradual change. The phrase implies an abrupt shift, so ensure the context reflects a significant and rapid transition, not a slow and steady progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep gradient" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a rate of change, slope, or intensity that increases rapidly. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep gradient" is a noun phrase that describes a rapid and significant change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, while Ludwig examples show its frequent use in scientific and technical contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context reflects an abrupt shift rather than a gradual progression. Consider alternative phrases like "a sharp increase" or "a rapid rise" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Keep in mind that the phrase often appears in formal and scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial gradient

Replaces "steep" with "substantial", indicating a significant but not necessarily abrupt change.

a steep slope

Uses 'slope' in place of 'gradient'.

a steep incline

Uses 'incline' in place of 'gradient'.

a high gradient

Uses "high" to emphasize the magnitude of the change, focusing on the vertical aspect of the gradient.

a dramatic gradient

Emphasizes the sudden and noticeable nature of the change, highlighting the visual or impactful aspect.

a steep grade

Uses 'grade' instead of 'gradient', often in the context of roads or inclines.

a drastic gradient

Implies a sudden and extreme change, focusing on the severity of the gradient.

a strong gradient

Highlights the intensity or power of the gradient, indicating a significant force or effect.

a considerable gradient

Suggests a noticeable and noteworthy change, implying a degree of importance or relevance.

a sharp slope

Replaces "gradient" with "slope", focusing on the physical inclination rather than the rate of change.

FAQs

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

"A steep gradient" is used to describe a sharp or rapid change, often in a measurable quantity. For example, "The graph showed "a steep gradient" in infection rates after the holiday season."

What can I say instead of "a steep gradient"?

You can use alternatives like "a sharp increase", "a rapid rise", or "a substantial change" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a steep gradient" and "a gradual gradient"?

"A steep gradient" indicates a quick and significant change, while "a gradual gradient" implies a slow and incremental change. The choice depends on the rate at which something is changing.

Is it correct to use "a steep gradient" to describe a decline?

Yes, "a steep gradient" can describe both increases and decreases. To specify a decline, you might say "a steep decline" or "a steep negative gradient".