a steep hike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep hike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a hiking trail or journey that has a significant incline or elevation gain, often implying that it is physically challenging. Example: "We decided to take a break at the top after completing a steep hike through the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It's a steep hike.

The New York Times

Tamil Nadu: The state government announced a steep hike in bus fares, power tariff and milk prices.

The New York Times

We did a steep hike up to the Sacred High Place, where rock chasms run off in all directions.

The Guardian - Travel

You might experience a momentary dread, like the one that hits before a steep hike: you're at the bottom of the bowl.

The New Yorker

Yet because taxes on petrol are so low (especially by European standards), and are kept so for political reasons, even a steep hike cannot encourage Americans to think of life without the car.

The Economist

The easiest route to the top of Mount Shasta is via Avalanche Gulch, which is essentially a steep hike, though crampons and ice axes are employed for the final few thousand feet.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Gilbert made lists of what she needed to see in the Tahitian islands -- a verdant cave, a steep hiking trail, a model for the meager oceanside quarters in which Alma would live -- which she visited in 2012.

Huffington Post

But that message on a muscle telegraphed to me a reservoir of inner strength on which I could rely, not only on a steep hiking trail, but in every other life challenge.

Huffington Post

A relatively steep hike along a surprisingly narrow path leads to two trail markers.

The New York Times - Travel

"We are really trying to focus on taking care of what we have," she said after joining Mr. Bush on a short, steep hike to Moro Rock, where they had a spectacular view of the Sierras.

The New York Times

There was no road to Olymbos - the rest of the island remained a long, steep hike down to the shore and a boat ride away.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a hiking experience, use "a steep hike" to clearly convey the challenging nature of the incline. This phrase is widely understood and adds impact to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep hike" metaphorically for situations unrelated to physical ascents. While 'steep' can describe a sharp increase (e.g. prices), reserve "a steep hike" for literal hiking contexts to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a steep hike" is to serve as a noun phrase, where 'steep' modifies the noun 'hike'. This phrase typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steep hike" is a grammatically correct and widely understood way to describe a challenging uphill walk or climb. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and meaning. While its register is neutral, it is commonly found in news, travel writing, and general conversation. When using this phrase, remember to apply it in literal hiking contexts, avoid using it metaphorically, and consider alternatives like "a challenging trek" or "a strenuous climb" for varied expression. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcase its appropriate usage. Although considered 'Uncommon', there are plenty of usage examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging trek

Replaces 'hike' with 'trek' to emphasize a long and difficult journey.

a strenuous climb

Substitutes 'steep hike' with a more general term for a difficult ascent.

an arduous ascent

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a difficult upward journey.

a difficult uphill walk

Rephrases to explicitly state the upward direction and difficulty.

a demanding climb

Highlights the effort required for the ascent.

a rigorous hike

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the hiking experience.

an exhausting trek

Focuses on the tiring aspect of the journey.

a precipitous ascent

Uses 'precipitous' to highlight the steepness of the climb.

a tough uphill battle

Employs a more figurative expression to describe the difficulty.

a vertical challenge

Describes the hike in terms of a significant increase in elevation

FAQs

What does "a steep hike" mean?

The phrase "a steep hike" refers to a hiking trail or journey that involves a significant incline or elevation gain, often implying that it is physically challenging.

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

You can use alternatives like "a challenging trek", "a strenuous climb", or "an arduous ascent", depending on the specific context.

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

You might say, "We took a break halfway through the steep hike to catch our breath" or "The final stretch of the trail was a steep hike, but the view from the top was worth it".

Is it correct to use "a steep hike" to describe something other than a physical climb?

While "steep" can be used to describe a sharp increase in other contexts (like prices), "a steep hike" is best reserved for literal descriptions of hiking trails or journeys to avoid potential confusion.