ascending

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'ascending' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is becoming higher or moving upwards. For example, "The eagle soared into the sky, ascending with each beat of its wings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We spent one day submerged 42 feet on a Padi Try-Dive, spotting an octopus about to devour its paralysed prey; another, ascending the 1,716-foot 1,716-footsummitofntain, dodging lizardSage Mountaintrek through its semi-rainforest.

The Guardian - Travel

Three novels grew wings this year, ascending to the upper skies.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of seizing the chance for a new beginning, the ascending archbishop assumes all his church's mysterious sexual hang-ups.

The Guardian - Opinion

Condors hovered above as I descended a near-vertical slope before ascending the other side to some half-deserted 16th-century hamlets accessible only by footpath.

The Guardian - Travel

The figures are placed at an angle, so that they seemed to be ascending – propelled forwards as a nation united, into an idealised future.

The Guardian

Her new material, which she calls "doom soul", lifts those bedroom folk numbers to bolder, less lo-fi spirituals, amplifying skeleton-bare fingerpicking with piano, cello and a delicate reverb that speaks of echoing church halls and ascending prayers.

The Guardian

But now, several weeks later, it is a slow day at the office and a friendly response seems necessary, if only to point out that S.A.P.'s fears are about something else entirely.The writer asserts that "the demographic balance in Karnataka's capital Bangalore… is rapidly changing" and that "Hindi and English are rapidly ascending as Bangalore aspires to national and international prominence".

The Economist

Mr Kan is a self-made man, ascending into politics after years toiling in citizen movements.Yet his job is made all the harder after the botched performance of his predecessor's nine months in office.

The Economist

A report commissioned by London's Green Party suggested a cable-car system, familiar to Britons only as a device for ascending ski slopes on their winter holidays.

The Economist

For policymakers, this suggests that borrowers need to be better aware of the potential motivational benefits from repaying debts in ascending order with respect to size.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is called Olim Le-Berlin, "Let's ascend to Berlin", using the same rousing verb Jews reserve for emigrating, or "ascending", to Israel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ascending" when you want to convey a sense of upward movement or progression that is continuous and often gradual. For example, "ascending the ranks" or "ascending stairs".

Common error

Avoid using "ascending" when you mean to describe a downward motion or decrease. "Descending" is the correct term for moving downwards, while "ascending" refers to moving upwards.

Linguistic Context

The word "ascending" functions primarily as a present participle or gerund derived from the verb "ascend". Ludwig examples show it describing continuous upward movement or progression, often modifying nouns or acting as part of a verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ascending" is a versatile term used to describe upward movement or progression, as confirmed by Ludwig. Functioning as a present participle or gerund, it frequently appears in news, formal business documents, and scientific contexts. While generally grammatically correct, users should avoid redundant phrases like "ascending down". Synonymous terms include "rising", "climbing", and "escalating". Ludwig's examples highlight its application in both literal and figurative contexts, solidifying its place as a valuable term in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rising

Focuses on the act of moving upwards, similar to ascending but less formal.

climbing

Implies a more active and effortful upward movement.

escalating

Suggests a gradual increase, often in intensity or scale.

soaring

Conveys a sense of effortless upward movement, often used metaphorically.

mounting

Indicates an increase in quantity or intensity.

progressing

Highlights the advancement or development aspect of ascending.

moving up

A more straightforward and less formal way of describing upward movement.

on the rise

Emphasizes the increasing trend or popularity of something.

advancing

Suggests forward movement and improvement alongside upward direction.

growing

Implies an increase in size, number, or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "ascending" in a sentence?

You can use "ascending" to describe something moving upward, like "The balloon was "ascending into the sky"". It can also describe a rise in status, like "He was "ascending the corporate ladder"".

What words are similar to "ascending"?

Alternatives to "ascending" include "rising", "climbing", and "escalating". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "ascending down"?

No, "ascending down" is incorrect because "ascending" already implies upward movement. Saying "ascending down" is redundant and contradictory. Instead, use "descending" to indicate downward movement.

What's the difference between "ascending" and "accessing"?

"Ascending" refers to moving upwards, either literally or figuratively, while "accessing" means gaining entry or obtaining something. For example, "ascending the mountain" versus "accessing the data".