escalator

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "escalator" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use the word "escalator" to refer to a moving staircase that carries people between different floors in a building. Example: "Please take the escalator to the fourth floor, as the elevators are currently out of order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was when I realised I could not even ride the escalator in John Lewis without a mounting panic that I knew I had to get help.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apart from the dysfunctional escalator at the Grant Road skywalk, there is no alternative to the 10 metres of stairs up to the platform, which makes it very difficult for senior citizens or those with disabilities to use them.

The Guardian

"Going green does not have to cost the Earth," the chancellor said, apparently without a hint of irony – shortly after confirming that the Energy Companies Obligation is to be watered down, and just before announcing the abolition of the fuel duty escalator.

The Guardian - Opinion

The chancellor said he had abolished "the hated fuel duty escalator" and, following a conference pledge to freeze the tax if possible, would be cancelling a 2p rise due in 2014.

The Guardian

Vorobyov said he also kept tossing cash as he continued down the escalator.

The Guardian

Ford finds itself doing the equivalent of trying to drive up a down escalator: its new vehicles tend to be fancier and so more expensive, but car buyers expect and get lower prices.Ford is hoping to fight back using techniques that it has learnt from the Japanese and already applied in Europe.

The Economist

And ministers studiously refrained from arguing the environmental case for high fuel taxes.Ironically, it was the Conservatives who in 1993 first introduced the fuel "escalator", the policy of raising duties on petrol and diesel by more than the rate of inflation.

The Economist

Finland's Kone is one of the world's leading lift and escalator companies.

The Economist

(A 124-storey escalator would be worth writing about...) This was changed on February 9th.

The Economist

That is also why there has been no link between pay and performance: lacklustre firms followed the escalator too, perhaps in order to attract good managers, or out of pride, or because their shareholders failed to prevent it.The fact that this is a market outcome does not sanctify the resultYet the fact that this is a market outcome does not sanctify the result.

The Economist

At the top of an escalator the once-sensational Rodin "Kiss" stands in a corner.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about accessibility, specify if a location has both elevators and "escalators" to accommodate different needs.

Common error

While both are used for vertical transportation, remember that an "escalator" is a moving staircase, whereas an elevator is a lifting platform. Use the correct term to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "escalator" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a motor-driven mechanical device consisting of a continuous loop of steps that automatically conveys people from one floor to another. Ludwig confirms its standard usage in this sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "escalator" is a common and accepted term in English, primarily functioning as a noun to describe a moving staircase. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically correct and widely understood. It frequently appears in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as technical contexts, such as encyclopedia entries, as seen in sources like The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica. While there are alternative phrases such as "moving staircase" or "moving stairway", "escalator" remains the most direct and recognizable term. When writing about accessibility, consider mentioning the availability of both elevators and "escalators". Avoid confusing "escalators" with elevators.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving staircase

A synonym for "escalator", emphasizing the stair-like movement.

moving stairway

Another synonym, focusing on the upward motion of the device.

automatic staircase

Highlights the automated nature of the "escalator".

mechanical stairs

Emphasizes the mechanical aspect of the "escalator".

travelator

A related term that refers to a moving walkway rather than stairs.

moving ramp

Describes the inclined and moving nature, though less precise.

powered staircase

Focuses on the power source that drives the "escalator".

automated steps

Describes the individual steps that move automatically.

conveyor stairs

Likens the "escalator" to a conveyor belt with steps.

electric staircase

Emphasizes the electrical power that operates the "escalator".

FAQs

How to use "escalator" in a sentence?

You can use "escalator" in a sentence like, "The shopping mall features a long "escalator" connecting all three floors."

What is another word for an "escalator"?

Synonyms for "escalator" include "moving staircase" or "moving stairway".

Is it correct to say "take the escalator"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "take the escalator" when instructing someone to use the "escalator".

What is the difference between an "escalator" and a travelator?

An "escalator" is a moving staircase, while a "travelator" is a moving walkway, typically horizontal or gently inclined.