flight of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"flight of steps" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a set of stairs that are connected and lead from one level to another. Example: She carefully descended the flight of steps, her hand gripping the railing tightly for support.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Take the long flight of steps uphill.

The Guardian - Travel

Sometimes a dancer charges, dramatically, up a flight of steps.

The New York Times

A foot found the bottom of a flight of steps.

The New Yorker

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS -- Short flight of steps at entrance.

The New York Times

Staircase, series, or flight, of steps between two floors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Do you have difficulty walking up one flight of steps?

The New York Times

An empty space, backed by a wide flight of steps; a cry of "Sharp!

The New York Times

Up an unassuming flight of steps, the Schoell's alcove seat also doubles as the wine press.

The Guardian - Travel

Hidden down a long flight of steps, Gwenver really is an undiscovered gem.

The Guardian - Travel

A grand Victorian hotel looks down a long flight of steps to the sea.

The Guardian - Opinion

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS -- Restrooms are accessible, but the entrance is up a flight of steps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accessibility, specify the number of steps in the "flight of steps" to provide more accurate information (e.g. a short "flight of steps", a long "flight of steps").

Common error

Avoid using "flight of steps" interchangeably with "flight of stairs". While both refer to a series of steps, "flight of stairs" can encompass the entire staircase structure, including walls and railings, whereas "flight of steps" specifically refers to the steps themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flight of steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence, referring to a connected series of steps. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and accepted English expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flight of steps" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to describe a series of steps between two levels. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news reporting to encyclopedic descriptions. While alternatives like "staircase" or "set of stairs" exist, "flight of steps" provides a specific focus on the steps themselves, rather than the entire structure. Remember to specify details like length or steepness for greater clarity, and avoid confusing it with the broader term "flight of stairs". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use the phrase "flight of steps" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staircase

A more general term that can refer to the entire structure including the steps and surrounding walls or railings.

set of stairs

A simple and direct alternative that emphasizes the collection of individual steps.

series of steps

Similar to 'set of stairs' but highlights the sequential arrangement of the steps.

bank of steps

Suggests a larger and more imposing set of steps, often ascending a slope.

climb of steps

Focuses on the act of ascending the steps, emphasizing the effort involved.

cascade of steps

Implies a visually striking and often lengthy set of steps, possibly resembling a waterfall.

succession of steps

Highlights the consecutive nature of the steps, one following another.

graduated steps

Emphasizes the incremental change in height with each step.

riser steps

Technical term focusing on the vertical component of each step.

stepped slope

Describes an inclined surface modified into steps, suggesting an easier ascent than a steep hill.

FAQs

How can I use "flight of steps" in a sentence?

You can use "flight of steps" to describe a set of stairs leading from one level to another. For example, "The entrance is at the top of a wide "flight of steps" leading up from Hope Street."

What can I say instead of "flight of steps"?

You can use alternatives like "staircase", "set of stairs", or "series of steps" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "flights of steps"?

Yes, "flights of steps" is the plural form of "flight of steps" and is used when referring to multiple sets of steps.

What is the difference between a "flight of steps" and a "flight of stairs"?

While both refer to a series of steps, a "flight of stairs" might imply the entire structure including supporting walls and railings, whereas a "flight of steps" refers more directly to the steps themselves. They are often used interchangeably, but consider the specific context to choose the more precise term.