a steep hill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep hill" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a hill that has a sharp incline, often in contexts related to geography, exercise, or challenges. Example: "The hikers struggled to climb a steep hill that seemed to go on forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bonnie wants to climb a steep hill.

The New Yorker

We came to a steep hill.

The New Yorker

A steep hill does not entice me.

The New York Times

Down a steep hill, a road.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Between the two was a steep hill.

The Guardian

"They certainly have a steep hill here to climb".

The New York Times - Sports

That is a steep hill in today's Washington.

The New York Times

We disembarked and began to hike up a steep hill.

The New Yorker

Navigated down a steep hill and there it lay.

The New York Times

It's a steep hill, and it's a huge challenge.

The New York Times - Sports

We knew this was a steep hill to climb".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a steep hill" metaphorically to represent a difficult challenge or obstacle that requires significant effort to overcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a steep hill" in contexts where the difficulty is easily surmountable. The phrase implies a significant challenge, so using it for minor inconveniences can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep hill" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing geographical features or metaphorical challenges. The adjective "steep" modifies the noun "hill", indicating a sharp incline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

16%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a steep hill" is a common noun phrase used to describe a sharp incline or, metaphorically, a significant challenge. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of the sources shows that it's frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it regularly. Whether you're discussing physical geography or the difficulties of a project, using "a steep hill" effectively requires understanding its implications of effort and challenge. Remembering this can help you avoid common writing errors and improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a steep slope

Replaces "hill" with a more general term for inclined surfaces.

a steep gradient

Uses a more technical term to describe the degree of inclination.

a precipitous hill

Highlights the steepness and abruptness of the slope.

a high hill

Focuses on the altitude and elevation of the hill.

a substantial hill

Highlights the significant size or effort required to traverse the hill.

a great hill

Emphasizes the imposing size and grandeur of the hill.

a dramatic hill

Emphasizes the visual impact and impressiveness of the hill.

a vertiginous hill

Highlights the dizzying height and steepness of the hill.

a fast hill

Suggests the quick speed associated with descending the hill, in activities like skiing or sledding.

a dangerous hill

Highlights the potential risks associated with navigating the hill.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steep hill" to describe a physical incline, such as "The hikers struggled to climb "a steep hill"". It can also be used metaphorically, like "Overcoming this challenge will be "a steep hill"".

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

You can use alternatives like "a sharp incline", "a steep slope", or "a difficult challenge" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a steep hill" metaphorically?

It's appropriate when referring to a task or situation that requires significant effort and determination. The metaphor highlights the difficulty and the uphill struggle involved.

Is there a difference between saying "a steep hill" and "a gentle hill"?

Yes, "a steep hill" implies a sharp incline that requires effort to climb, while "a gentle hill" suggests a gradual slope that is easy to ascend. The adjectives drastically change the meaning.