gain altitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain altitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to aviation, climbing, or metaphorically in discussions about progress or improvement. Example: "The pilot was able to gain altitude quickly after taking off from the runway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could feel the airframe straining to gain altitude.

The New York Times

And wouldn't it change politics forever?" Hoffman's dinners gain altitude and velocity as they go on.

The New Yorker

As I gain altitude and proximity to Lake Argentino, the roadsides become rivulets and ponds.

The New York Times - Magazine

At speeds above ten knots, the prow levitates like a seabird struggling to gain altitude.

The New Yorker

Both also struggled to gain altitude and appeared to ascend and descend several times before crashing.

The Washington Post

THE image in Mark R. Anderson's head was that of an airplane struggling to gain altitude.

The New York Times

At Poets House artists and poets alike take flight, helping one another gain altitude.

The New York Times - Arts

As I gain altitude, the views get better and more rays of sun pierce the gum trees.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She told him not to be so morbid, but noticed how the plane struggled to gain altitude.

Independent

Then the plane, failing to gain altitude or speed, rolled sharply to the left and crashed into a small hotel on the outskirts of Paris.

The New York Times

But the airliner, unable to gain altitude, banked heavily to the left and then slammed into a small wooden hotel here surrounded by fields.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing flight, use "gain altitude" to depict the process of an aircraft ascending. It's universally understood and adds clarity.

Common error

Ensure the context is clear when using "gain altitude" metaphorically. Avoid using it in situations where a literal interpretation is likely or could cause confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain altitude" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "gain" is the verb and "altitude" is the noun serving as the object. It describes the act of increasing height or elevation, often used in the context of aviation or climbing, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain altitude" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of increasing height or elevation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sees frequent usage across diverse contexts, notably in news and media, science, and on wikis, often relating to aviation or metaphorical progress. While generally neutral in tone, "gain altitude" benefits from a careful selection of context to avoid ambiguity between its literal and figurative applications. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "increase elevation" or "ascend" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase elevation

Focuses on the measurable increase in height; more technical.

ascend

Implies a formal or gradual upward movement.

climb higher

Emphasizes the effort or process of climbing.

move upward

A general term for any upward movement.

rise up

Suggests a more sudden or dramatic ascent.

elevate oneself

Highlights a self-directed effort to rise, often metaphorical.

soar

Implies effortless or graceful upward movement.

reach a higher plane

A metaphorical expression for achieving a better state or level.

improve one's standing

Focuses on advancement in status or position.

make progress

Broadly refers to advancement or development in any field.

FAQs

How can I use "gain altitude" in a sentence?

You can use "gain altitude" to describe the ascent of an aircraft, like in "The plane struggled to "gain altitude" after takeoff". It can also be used metaphorically to describe progress or improvement.

What are some alternatives to "gain altitude"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "increase elevation" for a more technical meaning or "ascend" for a more formal tone.

Is it appropriate to use "gain altitude" in business contexts?

Yes, it can be used metaphorically in business contexts to describe improvement or progress, such as "The company is starting to "gain altitude" after a period of decline".

What's the difference between "gain altitude" and "ascend"?

"Gain altitude" often refers specifically to the action of increasing height in aviation or climbing. "Ascend" is a more general term for going up and can imply a formal or gradual movement.