climb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "climb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, typically referring to the action of ascending or going up something, such as a mountain or a ladder. Example: "To reach the summit, we had to climb for several hours through challenging terrain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He developed the skill to climb difficult walls without ropes, relying on a small chute on his back in case he fell.

The Guardian

I wonder if we'll see a re-run of stage 6 on last year's Tirreno-Adriatico, when a 30% climb caused many pros to get off and push.

The Guardian

To climb in this fashion a climber will hammer a peg (or "piton") into a crack, wedge chocks – pieces of metal of various sizes and shapes – into it or place a skyhook (a very small grappling hook) over flakes of rock and edges.

The Guardian

What is striking about Dawn Wall – and the reason it is being hailed as possibly the world's hardest climb – is that it has linked so much very hard climbing into a single route.

The Guardian

Yosemite duo complete world's toughest climb Climbing El Capitan – in pictures.

The Guardian

Birdies on six, seven and eight saw him climb the leaderboard before a bogey five on the par four ninth saw him drop.

The Guardian - Sport

madagascar-ideal-adventures.com GarryWynne Kilimanjaro with Daudi Bayo, Tanzania To climb Kili, use Zara Tours, a local company that rewards its guides and porters well, and ask for Daudi Bayo.

The Guardian - Travel

Among the cheapest properties, for overseas students of more modest means, is a £275-a-week bedsit in Egerton Garden Mews, but it's so small tenants will have to climb a ladder to get to the "raised bed area".

The Guardian - Money

I climb the scaffolding stairs to a vantage point in the huge space of the HangarBicocca, a former industrial complex owned by Pirelli in Milan.

The Guardian - Arts

A few weeks earlier I was supposed to tackle the 1.5-mile climb as part of the Skylark sportive, a fantastic 65-miler which took in a number of the Tour highlights.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.55pm BST14:55 Petacchi isn't the only one with a bee to contend with - race leader Marcel Kittel has one buzzing in his bonnet, tetchily ordering the crowd out of the way as the pack begin the climb to Holme Moss.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "climb" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, such as "climbing the corporate ladder" or "climbing out of debt".

Common error

Avoid using "climb" in contexts where a more precise verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of "climbing in popularity", consider alternatives like "gaining popularity" or "increasing in popularity" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "climb" is a verb, indicating the action of ascending or moving upwards. It can be used both literally, as in "to climb a mountain", and figuratively, as in "to climb the career ladder". Ludwig AI confirms its versatility through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

25%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "climb" is a versatile verb widely used in English to describe the act of ascending or moving upwards, both physically and metaphorically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including news, travel, and sports. While generally neutral in register, it is important to ensure clarity and precision in abstract contexts. Related phrases include "ascend", "mount", and "scale", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "climb" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascend

Indicates a formal upward movement, often used in descriptive or literary contexts.

mount

Suggests getting on or up something, often implying physical effort or skill.

scale

Refers to climbing a steep or high object, often with the implication of difficulty.

rise

Indicates an increase in level or status, either literally or figuratively.

go up

A simple and direct way to describe upward movement or increase.

move upward

A more descriptive way to express the action of going higher.

make progress

Implies advancement towards a goal, often overcoming obstacles.

improve

Suggests enhancing quality or condition, often in a gradual manner.

overcome

Focuses on successfully dealing with challenges or difficulties.

advance

Implies moving forward or upward, typically in a strategic or planned way.

FAQs

How is "climb" used in a sentence?

The verb "climb" means to ascend or move upwards. For example, "They decided to climb the mountain this weekend" or "The temperature is expected to climb throughout the day".

What are synonyms for "climb"?

Synonyms for "climb" include "ascend", "mount", "scale", "rise", and "go up", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "climb" versus "ascend"?

"Climb" generally refers to a more physical or strenuous upward movement, while "ascend" is often used in more formal or descriptive contexts to indicate upward movement or progression.

Can "climb" be used in a non-physical sense?

Yes, "climb" can be used metaphorically to describe advancement or improvement, such as "climbing the corporate ladder" or "climbing out of debt". Consider alternatives like "advance", "improve", or "progress" depending on the context.