an even steeper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an even steeper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing degrees of steepness, often in contexts related to slopes, prices, or challenges. Example: "The new proposal presents an even steeper increase in costs than we anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Will there be an even steeper descent once the general election begins?

The New Yorker

Company officials expected an even steeper increase, 12.7percentt, in 2002.

The New York Times

But then in early April, they revised that figure to an even steeper 25percentt.

The New York Times

The agency's bribery inquiry could pose an even steeper challenge to JPMorgan.

The New York Times

Mr. Obama's proposals impose an even steeper increase, assuming he doesn't repeal the minimum tax.

The New York Times

They have to return to fundamentals and climb an even steeper hill ahead.

The New York Times

There, it hopped into a drainage channel for an even steeper drop.

The New York Times - Travel

That came on top of an even steeper 12.6percentt decline in January.

The New York Times

"It's a steep learning curve, being an MP; an even steeper learning curve being on the shadow frontbench.

The Guardian

Other countries have seen an even steeper rise, both in expenditure on goods and services and in transfer payments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Lakers have an even steeper mountain to climb, beginning Monday, when they face San Antonio in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an even steeper", ensure the initial comparison is clearly established to provide context for the amplified degree of steepness.

Common error

Avoid using "an even steeper" when there is no prior comparative context. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure there's something to which the steepness is being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an even steeper" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing it as having a higher degree of steepness than something else. Ludwig confirms this, showing its use in comparing rates of decline, climbs, and increases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an even steeper" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to describe a significantly greater degree of steepness or intensity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, often highlighting economic declines, competitive challenges, or physical inclines. When using this phrase, ensure a clear comparison is present. Alternatives like "a considerably steeper" or "a significantly steeper" can provide nuanced variations. The examples highlight its versatility and broad applicability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerably steeper

Emphasizes a noticeable difference in steepness or intensity.

a significantly steeper

Highlights the importance and impact of the increased steepness.

a markedly steeper

Focuses on the clear and evident nature of the increased steepness.

a much steeper

Provides a more direct and informal way to indicate a greater degree of steepness.

a substantially steeper

Indicates a considerable and weighty difference in steepness.

an appreciably steeper

Suggests that the increased steepness is noticeable and measurable.

a far steeper

Emphasizes a considerable difference in steepness.

a radically steeper

Emphasizes the dramatic or fundamental nature of the increased steepness.

an extremely steeper

Indicates a very high degree of steepness, potentially beyond the norm.

a drastically steeper

Focuses on the sudden and intense nature of the increased steepness.

FAQs

How can I use "an even steeper" in a sentence?

Use "an even steeper" to show something is intensifying in a comparative way. For instance, "The decline was already significant, but the latest data shows "an even steeper" drop".

What are some alternatives to "an even steeper"?

Alternatives include "a considerably steeper", "a significantly steeper", or "a much steeper" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "an even steeper"?

Use "an even steeper" when you want to emphasize that something is not just more steep, but significantly more so than something previously mentioned or understood. The key is comparison.

Is "a more steeper" grammatically correct instead of "an even steeper"?

No, "a more steeper" is grammatically incorrect. The correct way to express the comparison is ""an even steeper"" or simply "steeper". Using both "more" and the -er suffix is redundant.