a steep line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steep line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a line that has a high slope, often in mathematical or graphical contexts. Example: "The graph shows a steep line, indicating a rapid increase in temperature over a short period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The town is at the base of a steep line of cliffs, a few dozen buildings cozied up against the Pacific Ocean.

The New York Times - Travel

The number of inscriptions per year increases slowly during the 1st century and a half ad, thereafter ascending in a steep line to a point in the second decade of the 3rd and then falling off even more steeply.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This situation is easily visualized on an isochron diagram, where a series of rocks plots on a steep line showing the primary age, but the minerals in each rock plot on a series of parallel lines that indicate the time since the heating event.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On a longer expedition one day, we rode over rolling flanks from the Corne de Sorebois beside the Moiry glacier to the Moiry dam – where it was possible to ski a steep line right against the dam wall then out along a long shallow valley beside a bubbling stream, ending at Grimentz village.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a chute, the water does not drop freely but is carried through a steep, lined canal section.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

After intervention, the slope of this line may change in the sense that increased growth of the lengthened leg results in a steeper line (negative intercept, of the line with the y-axis) and reduced growth results in a shallower line (positive intercept, of the line with the y-axis).

Acta Orthopaedica

We detected crustal deformation associated with the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake using InSAR and GNSS and found a decorrelation line and a steep gradient line of slant-range change along the Futagawa Fault, along the northeast extension of the Futagawa Fault, and alongside the Hinagu Fault.

Earth, Planets and Space

A steepest descent method with line search.

Advances in Difference Equations

A steepest descent method with line search, which produces a monotone iteration scheme based on the gradient, is formulated.

Advances in Difference Equations

The eastern side of the range forms a steep fault line to the coast, but the western side forms a gentle incline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The result was a strong correlation, a steep sloping line suggesting that two-thirds of the difference in cancer susceptibility could be explained by spontaneous errors.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing graphs or charts, use "a steep line" to clearly indicate a rapid rate of change or a significant difference between data points.

Common error

Avoid limiting the interpretation of "a steep line" to only physical contexts. In data representation, steepness refers to the rate of change, not necessarily a physical incline. "A steep line" can be used to describe rapid increases or decreases on any graph, not just those depicting physical height or slopes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steep line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes geographical features, mathematical representations, or abstract trends. This highlights its versatility in denoting something with a significant gradient or rate of change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steep line" is grammatically sound and functions as a noun phrase describing something with a notable slope or rate of change. Ludwig AI indicates that it's used across various contexts, including graphs, charts, and geographical features. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for diverse writing purposes. When using "a steep line", ensure that the context clarifies whether you're referring to a physical slope, a trend on a graph, or another abstract concept. Related alternatives include "a sharp incline" or "a rapid increase".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp incline

Replaces 'steep line' with 'sharp incline', focusing on the steepness as an upward slope.

a severe line

Replaces 'steep' with 'severe', altering the intensity of the line's inclination.

a steep trajectory

Replaces 'line' with 'trajectory', emphasizing the path or course that is steep.

a substantial line

Replaces 'steep' with 'substantial', suggesting a line that is significant or considerable.

a tremendous line

Substitutes 'steep' with 'tremendous', emphasizing the significant nature or impact of the line.

a dramatic line

Substitutes 'steep' with 'dramatic', emphasizing the visually striking or impactful quality of the line.

a hefty line

Replaces 'steep' with 'hefty', implying a substantial or considerable line, possibly in terms of size or importance.

a breathtaking line

Substitutes 'steep' with 'breathtaking', highlighting the dramatic or impressive nature of the line.

a slippery line

Replaces 'steep' with 'slippery', changing the description to a line that is difficult to hold or maintain.

a thin line

Replaces 'steep' with 'thin', shifting the focus to the line's narrowness rather than its inclination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a steep line" to describe graphs or charts showing rapid changes. For example, "The sales chart showed "a steep line" indicating significant growth".

What's the difference between "a steep line" and "a sharp incline"?

"A steep line" is often used in the context of graphs or charts, while "a sharp incline" typically refers to a physical slope or gradient.

What can I say instead of "a steep line" to describe a graph?

Alternatives include "a rapid increase", "a sharp rise", or "a significant jump depending on the context".

Is it appropriate to use "a steep line" in formal writing?

Yes, "a steep line" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing data trends or graphical representations in reports or academic papers.