desolate cliffs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desolate cliffs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe cliffs that are barren, empty, or lacking in life, often evoking a sense of isolation or stark beauty. Example: "The hiker stood at the edge of the desolate cliffs, gazing out at the vast, empty landscape below."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Far from being saved from drowning at sea, the sailors aboard both the Laurel and Sea King had been taken to a cove on a tiny desolate, cliff-browed and uninhabited island that the Confederates called Las Desertas — most likely Deserta Grande — in the Madeira archipelago.

The New York Times

The majority of Seghers's works represent forbidding mountain scenes with jagged cliffs, desolate valleys, broken tree trunks, and scant traces of human habitation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Interestingly, it was not in the tropical jungles of Brazil, with their attendant diversity, that the cracks in Darwin's creationist view began to appear but rather on the relatively desolate plains and sea cliffs of Argentina.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

On the northern shore, just an hour's drive from Charlottetown, you stare out at what looks like infinity from a series of low-lying, red-soil cliffs with a peculiar, desolate beauty.

The New York Times

Breathtaking images from mountaintops, cliff sides and other desolate locales are complemented by Mr. McConkey's own videos.

The New York Times

Hartland is a desolate, wind-swept place but the surf, granite cliffs and rock-pooling are unparalleled.

The Guardian - Travel

The floor is desolate.

The New York Times

Her expression became desolate.

The New Yorker

The desolate eyes.

The New York Times

I'm Desolate.

The New Yorker

Epic and desolate.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape, use "desolate cliffs" to create a sense of stark beauty and isolation, particularly when emphasizing the harshness and lack of habitation.

Common error

Avoid using "desolate" repeatedly in a single paragraph. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "barren", "bleak", or "isolated" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate cliffs" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "desolate" modifies the noun "cliffs", creating a vivid image of a barren and isolated landscape. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desolate cliffs" effectively conveys a sense of barrenness and isolation in a landscape, making it a powerful tool for descriptive writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase itself is straightforward, varying your descriptions with synonyms like "barren cliffs" or "isolated cliffs" can enhance your writing. Remember that while the phrase is valid in many contexts, avoid overuse and consider your target audience to ensure your message is well received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barren cliffs

Replaces "desolate" with "barren", focusing on the lack of vegetation and life.

bleak cliffs

Substitutes "desolate" with "bleak", highlighting the cheerless and depressing nature of the cliffs.

isolated cliffs

Replaces "desolate" with "isolated", emphasizing the remote and inaccessible location of the cliffs.

abandoned cliffs

Changes "desolate" to "abandoned", suggesting that the cliffs were once inhabited or used but are now deserted.

forlorn cliffs

Substitutes "desolate" with "forlorn", conveying a sense of sadness and neglect.

empty cliffs

Replaces "desolate" with "empty", focusing on the absence of any activity or features.

desolate coastline

Broadens the scope to the entire coastline instead of just the cliffs, while maintaining the sense of desolation.

wild cliffs

Uses "wild" instead of "desolate", emphasizing the untamed and untouched nature of the cliffs.

desolate bluffs

Substitutes "cliffs" with "bluffs", using a synonym that refers to a steep bank or cliff.

windswept cliffs

Replaces "desolate" with "windswept", describing the cliffs' exposure to strong winds and weather.

FAQs

How can I use "desolate cliffs" in a sentence?

You can use "desolate cliffs" to describe a landscape that is barren and isolated, such as: "The lighthouse stood atop the "desolate cliffs", a lonely beacon in the vast expanse of the sea."

What can I say instead of "desolate cliffs"?

You can use alternatives like "barren cliffs", "bleak cliffs", or "isolated cliffs depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What imagery does the phrase "desolate cliffs" evoke?

The phrase "desolate cliffs" typically evokes images of stark, barren landscapes, often by the sea, characterized by a sense of isolation, loneliness, and a lack of life or habitation.

Is "desolate cliffs" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "desolate cliffs" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing landscapes or settings in literature, geography, or environmental contexts. However, consider the specific audience and purpose to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register.