climbs

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "climbs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical ascension, such as a person climbing a hill or mountain. For example, "The hiker climbs the steep trail, pausing to look at the valley below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though all of us are all sensitive to heat, and quick to react when it climbs above our comfort levels, our knowledge of how it might affect our health doesn't really go beyond sunstrokes and fainting spells.

The Guardian

The hardest climbing has only recently weighed into the new grade of 5.15 and then usually for single-rope-length sport climbs, which even then climbers may spend weeks or months attempting to overcome.

The Guardian

The term "big wall" is generally used by climbers to describe some of the world's longest climbs – usually predominantly on rock involving up to 30 rope lengths, and on which most climbers would expect to spend days climbing.

The Guardian

Some sterling work being done by the domestiques today to keep the pack together - not least Geraint Thomas, who has hauled Team Sky over the last two climbs.

The Guardian - Sport

Here's our own cycling doyen Will Fotheringham with his preview of today's stage: The Tour won't be won in Steel City but one of the favourites could lose it here, as the series of short steep climbs and some abrupt, narrow and very technical descents – equally difficult, particularly if the roads are wet – will make for a demanding finale, where a crash or a puncture could be very costly.

The Guardian - Sport

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.17pm BST14:17 As you can see on our snazzy interactive graphic at the top of the page, the second half of this race features seven categorised climbs – starting with the two Category 3 climbs of Ripponden and Greetland, just 8km apart, which are coming up imminently.

The Guardian - Sport

The former president has been accused of upstaging his wife, Hillary Clinton, as she climbs toward the pinnacle of power he once occupied.

The Guardian

The problem with bottom-up counts, like the FBI collection that begins with police records, is a severe attrition rate for data as it climbs toward the national light, as deaths go unreported or unrelayed from one level to another.

The Guardian

Ukip climbs back four points from a miserable score last time, to reach 11%.

The Guardian

There are eight categorised climbs including the classic, exposed ascent of Holme Moss.

The Guardian - Sport

Clancy said last year's Tour de France had taught the continental riders not to dismiss Yorkshire's lumps and bumps compared with the famous Alpine climbs: "They've learnt from last year that even if a stage might look quite flat on the profile, it really isn't".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "climbs" to describe both literal ascents (e.g., "the path climbs steeply") and figurative increases (e.g., "her ambition climbs with each success").

Common error

While "climbs" is versatile, using more specific verbs like "ascends", "escalates", or "soars" can provide greater clarity and impact depending on the intended nuance. For example, use "soars" when describing stock market values and "escalates" to describe a conflict.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "climbs" is as a third-person singular present tense verb, indicating an action performed by a single subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "climbs" functions primarily as a verb to describe upward movement or increases, applicable in both literal and figurative senses. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and versatility make it suitable for diverse contexts. The term is frequently encountered in news, business, and scientific domains, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When using "climbs", consider its nuanced alternatives for greater precision and avoid using it to describe downward movement. Remember to check out Ludwig's examples for more context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascends

Ascends refers specifically to moving upwards, often implying a gradual or continuous ascent, differing slightly in formality.

rises

Rises suggests an increase in level, amount, or intensity, applicable in both physical and abstract contexts.

mounts

Mounts implies getting on or ascending something, often used in the context of riding or escalating.

goes up

Goes up is a more informal and general way to describe moving to a higher position or level.

elevates

Elevates suggests raising something to a higher position or status, often implying improvement or enhancement.

escalates

Escalates means to increase rapidly or intensify, usually referring to situations or conflicts.

increases

Increases refers to a general growth in size, number, or degree.

ascends rapidly

Emphasizes a swift upward movement or increase.

progresses upward

Indicates a forward or onward movement towards a higher point or goal.

moves higher

A simple and direct way to express the act of ascending or increasing.

FAQs

How can I use "climbs" in a sentence?

"Climbs" can be used to describe physical ascents like "The hiker "climbs" the mountain" or figurative increases such as "The company's profit "climbs" steadily".

What are some alternatives to using "climbs"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "ascends", "rises", or "escalates" to describe different kinds of increases or ascents.

Is it correct to say "the temperature climbs down"?

No, "climbs" implies an upward movement. To describe a decrease in temperature, use phrases like "the temperature "drops"", "the temperature "decreases"", or "the temperature "falls"".

What's the difference between "climbs" and "ascends"?

While both refer to upward movement, "climbs" is more general and can apply to various contexts. "Ascends" is often used for more formal or gradual upward movements. For example, you might say someone "climbs" a ladder but a balloon "ascends" into the sky.