an altitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an altitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific height or elevation above a reference point, typically sea level. Example: "The airplane reached an altitude of 30,000 feet during the flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why so arbitrary an altitude?

The Economist

"It's like going through an altitude change".

The New York Times

It sits at an altitude of over 8000ft.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Moses uses an altitude tent for sleep only.

The New York Times - Sports

M. Legagneux attained an altitude of 3,200 m?es.

The New York Times

It disappeared when it was at an altitude of about 10,000ft (3,048 metres).

The Guardian

The circuit here has an altitude of more than 2,000 metres.

The Guardian - Sport

At an altitude of nearly 4000m I found it hard going.

The Guardian - Travel

Especially when the match was played at an altitude of 4,000 feet.

The New York Times - Sports

The son was stranded in a blizzard at an altitude above 8,200 feet.

The New York Times - Books

The accident happened at an altitude of around 2,300 metres.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing locations or objects in aerial contexts, use "an altitude" to specify the vertical distance from a reference point, such as sea level or ground level. This provides a clear and measurable point of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "an altitude" when you mean "an attitude". "Altitude" refers to height, while "attitude" refers to a state of mind or feeling. For example, "He has a positive attitude" not "He has a positive altitude".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an altitude" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifying a measurable vertical distance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to denote height above a reference point. Examples include "at an altitude of 4000m" or "reached an altitude of 3,200 m".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an altitude" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify a vertical distance or height, primarily above sea level. Ludwig AI validates its usage, highlighting its role in providing precise spatial information. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it a versatile term for both technical and general descriptions. When using "an altitude", ensure that it's clear what the reference point is and avoid confusion with words like "attitude". Consider using synonyms like "a height" or "an elevation" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a height

Replaces "altitude" with a more general term for vertical distance.

an elevation

Synonymous with "altitude", emphasizing the height above a reference point.

a level

Indicates a position on a vertical scale, similar to altitude but less specific to geographic height.

a vertical position

Emphasizes the position's height rather than the measurement itself.

a flight level

Specifically refers to the altitude of an aircraft.

a high point

Describes a location that is elevated, differing from "altitude" in that it specifies a location and not necessarily a measured distance.

a sea level

Refers specifically to the base reference point for measuring altitude.

a vantage point

Focuses on the view or perspective from a particular height.

a surveyed height

Emphasizes that the altitude has been precisely measured.

a raised position

Simply describes the state of being above a certain level.

FAQs

How is "an altitude" typically measured?

Altitude is usually measured as the vertical distance above a reference point, most commonly sea level. It can be measured using various tools, including altimeters in aircraft or GPS devices on land.

What are some other words that mean the same thing as "an altitude"?

While not always interchangeable, similar words include "a height", "an elevation", or level, all referring to vertical distance or position.

How does "an altitude" affect the environment?

At higher altitudes, the air pressure decreases, and the temperature drops. This can affect everything from weather patterns to the types of vegetation and animal life that can survive.

How is "an altitude" used in aviation?

In aviation, altitude is crucial for navigation, maintaining safe distances between aircraft, and for take-off and landing procedures. Pilots use altimeters to monitor their altitude.