gained altitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained altitude" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an increase in height or elevation, often in the context of aviation or climbing. Example: "As the aircraft took off, it quickly gained altitude, soaring above the clouds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The train steadily gained altitude.

The New Yorker

I waved to a farmer below as I gained altitude without effort.

The New York Times - Health

As I gained altitude, I began to feel the toll of the progressively thinning atmosphere.

The New York Times

The bomb exploded as the plane gained altitude," the source said.

Independent

By now the balloon had gained altitude and was on the verge of drifting out of sight.

The New Yorker

But it has gained altitude by signing, among others, China Eastern and China Southern, two of China's big three carriers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

You could feel the airframe straining to gain altitude.

The New York Times

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

The income tax rates and sales tax rates are gaining altitude, leaving New Yorkers feeling superlatively besieged.

The New York Times

Although the airship starts off flaccid, the helium and the ethane expand as it gains altitude.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing motion, especially in aviation or hiking, use "gained altitude" to clearly indicate an upward movement or increase in elevation.

Common error

Avoid using "gained altitude" metaphorically when "improved" or "progressed" would be more appropriate. The phrase is best suited for literal increases in height.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained altitude" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an increase in height or elevation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing airplanes and hikers physically ascending.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gained altitude" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression, primarily used to describe an increase in height or elevation, particularly in contexts related to aviation and climbing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While its usage is generally straightforward, it's best reserved for literal descriptions of increasing height and avoided in metaphorical contexts where other terms like "improved" or "progressed" might be more appropriate. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascended

Single word verb that indicates a upward movement.

rose

A simple and direct verb indicating upward movement or elevation.

climbed higher

Emphasizes the effort and process of increasing altitude.

increased elevation

Focuses on the change in elevation level.

moved upward

Describes the directional movement towards a higher position.

soared

Suggests a graceful and effortless increase in altitude.

elevated

A more formal term indicating an increase in height or status.

grew taller

Focuses on the increasing height of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

extended upwards

Emphasizes the directional extension in the vertical plane.

surged upward

Suggests a sudden and powerful increase in altitude or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "gained altitude" to describe an object or person increasing its height, such as "The plane "gained altitude" after takeoff" or "As the hiker "gained altitude", the view became more breathtaking".

What are some alternatives to "gained altitude"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "gained altitude" include "ascended", "climbed higher", or "increased elevation".

Is it correct to say "gained altitude" or "gained height"?

Both "gained altitude" and "gained height" are correct, but "gained altitude" is more commonly used in aviation and geographical contexts, while "gained height" can be used more broadly.

What does it mean to say something has "gained altitude" metaphorically?

While primarily literal, "gained altitude" can metaphorically suggest an improvement or advancement, though this usage is less common. In such cases, alternatives like "improved" or "progressed" might be more appropriate.