climb steeply

USAGE SUMMARY

"climb steeply" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe an upward path, such as a mountain, where the climb up is difficult. For example, "The path up the mountain climbed steeply, with many switchbacks along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Thereafter, though, it will climb steeply.

The New Yorker

It is still expected to climb steeply in the coming days.

The Guardian

"This cycle could repeat itself, although I don't think it will climb steeply.

The New York Times

The quality of the drinking at the site-specific Off-Broadway show "Sleep No More" is going to climb steeply at the May 14 performance.

The New York Times

Last week's surge saw the price climb steeply to 455p by the close, but the continuing rise showed that even at that value investors were keen.

Independent

The odds of a Democratic majority climb steeply with rising Obama approval, and reach about 50/50 at an Obama approval rating of 60%.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Steel prices have climbed steeply.

The New York Times

The road climbed steeply to the border of Qinghai Province.

The New Yorker

It is reached by steps climbing steeply through grass and bushes.

The Economist

We boarded a funicular, which climbed steeply along a course of multicolored fluorescent lights.

The New Yorker

In almost every major economy, government deficit and debt will have climbed steeply.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical ascent, such as a hiking trail or a road, "climb steeply" effectively conveys the difficulty and incline of the path. Use it to add vividness and detail to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid confusing "steeply", which refers to a sharp incline, with "deeply", which relates to depth or intensity. For example, a path "climbs steeply", not "climbs deeply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "climb steeply" primarily functions as a verb phrase that modifies a noun, typically a path, road, or other route, to describe its manner of ascent. It indicates a significant and challenging incline. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "climb steeply" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that describes a sharp and challenging incline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While not overly formal, it's more frequently found in news, encyclopedia, and scientific contexts. Remember to use it accurately to depict a significant ascent, and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like "deeply". Related phrases like ""ascend sharply"" or ""rise sharply"" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascend sharply

Replaces "climb" with "ascend" and "steeply" with "sharply", focusing on the upward movement with a sense of suddenness.

rise sharply

Substitutes "climb" with "rise", emphasizing the upward direction of the movement.

increase rapidly

Replaces the physical act of climbing with the more abstract concept of increasing, suitable for describing quantities or values.

go up quickly

Uses simpler language to convey the idea of a fast upward movement, suitable for informal contexts.

shoot up rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the ascent or increase, suggesting a dramatic change.

gain altitude quickly

Specifically refers to gaining height, often used in the context of aircraft or mountaineering.

move upward swiftly

Replaces "climb" with "move upward" and "steeply" with "swiftly", focusing on a quick and direct ascent.

scale dramatically

Implies overcoming a significant obstacle while ascending, adding a sense of achievement.

jump significantly

Suggests a sudden and substantial increase, often used for numerical data or abstract concepts.

soar quickly

Implies an effortless and rapid ascent, often used metaphorically to describe success or improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "climb steeply" in a sentence?

You can use "climb steeply" to describe a path, road, or any route that ascends at a sharp angle. For example, "The hiking trail "climbed steeply" up the mountainside."

What are some synonyms for "climb steeply"?

Alternatives to "climb steeply" include "ascend sharply", "rise sharply", or "increase rapidly", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "steeply climb" instead of "climb steeply"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "climb steeply" is the more common and natural word order. "Steeply climb" can sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "climb steeply" and "ascend gradually"?

"Climb steeply" describes a sharp and difficult ascent, whereas "ascend gradually" suggests a gentle and easier incline. The choice depends on the specific context you are describing.