at a steep angle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a steep angle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the orientation or position of an object or surface that is inclined sharply relative to a horizontal plane. Example: "The roof was designed to slope at a steep angle to allow for efficient rain runoff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The military plane carrying her descended at a steep angle.

The New Yorker

Slice the baby leeks or spring onion greens at a steep angle into thin "horse ears".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paul Ronne's beret is definitely at a steep angle these days.

The New York Times

It then falls at a steep angle and starts undulating from side to side.

The Economist

The stabilized bluff rises about 70 feet above sea level, at a steep angle of roughly 45 degrees.

The New York Times

The hall is raked at a steep angle, which means that sightlines are excellent from every seat.

The New York Times - Arts

The entire terrain of Guizhou thus slopes at a steep angle from the centre toward the north, east, and south.

Britannica

Not only are small volumes economic, but also they facilitate holding the wine at a steep angle and vigorous swirling.

Wine Tasting A Professional Handbook

The zodiacal light is best seen close to the equator because the ecliptic rises at a steep angle to the horizon at any time of the year.

Cornell University

Almost exactly a year ago, a Falcon 9 rocket exploded after hitting the ship at a steep angle, causing Musk to coin the phrase "rapid unscheduled disassembly".

The Guardian - Tech

Looking down to the street at a steep angle through only window glass and a simple iron fence is an unforgettable experience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical slopes or angles, ensure the context provides a clear reference point for understanding the steepness (e.g., "relative to the horizon" or "compared to a gentle slope").

Common error

Avoid using "at a steep angle" without providing enough context for the reader to understand the degree of steepness. What might be considered steep in one context could be moderate in another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a steep angle" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or the state in which something exists. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied contexts, confirming its role in specifying directional orientation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a steep angle" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase to describe direction or orientation with a high degree of inclination. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, primarily in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly establishes the frame of reference for the angle to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "at a sharp incline" or "at a high inclination" exist, "at a steep angle" remains a straightforward and effective choice for conveying steepness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a sharp incline

Focuses more on the physical characteristic of being steeply inclined.

at a high inclination

Emphasizes the degree of inclination relative to a reference plane.

at an acute angle

Highlights the geometric aspect of the angle being less than 90 degrees.

on a precipitous slope

Describes the terrain or surface with a very steep descent.

at a canted position

Implies a tilted or slanted arrangement.

in a tilted manner

Describes the way something is positioned with a slant.

obliquely oriented

Emphasizes that something is not aligned perpendicularly or parallel.

at an inclined plane

Refers to the angle of a flat surface that is not horizontal.

at a rakish slant

Evokes a stylish or jaunty angle.

perpendicularly declined

Implies something is declining at an angle

FAQs

How can I use "at a steep angle" in a sentence?

You can use "at a steep angle" to describe the incline of a slope, the trajectory of a projectile, or the positioning of an object. For example, "The plane descended "at a steep angle"" or "The roof was built "at a steep angle" to prevent snow accumulation".

What are some alternatives to saying "at a steep angle"?

Some alternatives include "at a sharp incline", "at a high inclination", or "on a precipitous slope", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "at a steep angle" or "on a steep angle"?

"At a steep angle" is generally the more correct and commonly used phrasing. "On a steep angle" is less frequent and can sound awkward to native English speakers.

What does "at a steep angle" typically describe?

The phrase "at a steep angle" typically describes the orientation or position of something relative to a reference point, indicating a high degree of inclination or slope. It can refer to physical objects, trajectories, or even abstract concepts like data trends.