cliff face

USAGE SUMMARY

"cliff face" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the vertical face of a cliff. For example, "The hikers scrambled up the cliff face in order to reach the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's a vertical cliff face".

The New York Times - Science

It looks like a cliff face to me.

Independent

When reëntrants join behind the cliff face, sea caves result.

The New Yorker

The following year we camped on a cliff face.

The Guardian

He pulls me, then carries me, up the cliff face.

The Guardian - Travel

An investigation into what caused the men to crash into the cliff face is ongoing.

The Guardian

The hotel was secluded and by a cliff face to deter Basque terrorists and photographers.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They found more than a hundred, including a spectacular cliff-face opening called Atanasio.

The New Yorker

The result was the extraordinary brooding cliff-face of 'Monolith: the Face of Half Dome'.

The Guardian

"It won't necessarily be a cliff-face, but it will be another sad erosion of the faith in British policing".

Independent

It's locked away behind a thick metal door, hidden halfway up a towering limestone cliff-face.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use precise adjectives to specify the type of "cliff face" you're describing. For example, a "sheer cliff face" conveys a different image than a "weathered cliff face".

Common error

Avoid using "cliff face" metaphorically in contexts where the literal meaning is distracting or inappropriate. Metaphorical usages should enhance understanding, not confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cliff face" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific geological feature. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cliff face" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe the vertical surface of a cliff. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "rock cliff" or "precipice" exist, "cliff face" provides a clear and straightforward description. When using the phrase, consider the surrounding environment and avoid redundant language. The frequency analysis indicates that "cliff face" appears very often in the News & Media domain. Remember to avoid metaphorical usage where the literal meaning might be distracting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rock cliff

Focuses on the rocky composition of the cliff.

sheer cliff

Emphasizes the steep, vertical nature of the cliff.

precipice

Highlights the dangerous drop associated with the cliff.

rock wall

Describes the cliff as resembling a wall of rock.

cliffside

Refers to the side of the cliff.

bluff

Implies a broad, rounded cliff.

steep slope

Describes the incline of the cliff

crag

Suggests a rugged, rocky outcrop.

escarpment

Indicates a long, steep slope or cliff.

palisade

Evokes a tall, defensive-looking cliff.

FAQs

How is "cliff face" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "cliff face" is used to describe the steep, vertical surface of a cliff. For example, "The climbers ascended the challenging "cliff face"."

What are some alternatives to saying "cliff face"?

Alternatives include "rock cliff", "sheer cliff", or "precipice", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "cliff face face"?

Yes, using "face" twice is redundant. The term "cliff face" already implies the front or surface of the cliff.

How does "cliff face" differ from "cliff side"?

"Cliff face" refers specifically to the vertical surface, while "cliff side" is a more general term that can refer to any part of the side of a cliff, including areas that are not vertical.