hike

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hike' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about an increase in the cost or quantity of something, or when talking about a long walk in nature. Example sentence: We are planning to go on a long hike this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a tough hike and you need a map and compass but the rewards are stunning: views across shimmering waters to the isles of Rhum, Eigg and Skye, where the entire Cuillin ridge stands tall.

The Guardian - Travel

A town in Michigan will levy a one-time tax hike on the city's homeowners to pay nearly $1.4m to settle a lawsuit with a man who was beaten by a police officer.

The Guardian

Bernd Heinrich was on a hike through the woods of New England when he observed something which would go on to change our perception of animal psychology.

The Guardian

"Consequently, a June rate hike from the Federal Reserve remains on the agenda, but we need to see the rebound come through quickly".

The Guardian - Business

"In the end, not the strong labour market release that could have put a June rate hike back on the table.

The Guardian - Business

Regularly voted "best hike in the world", this 50-mile path down the coast of Vancouver Island was first cut to maintain a telegraph line along the island.

The Guardian - Travel

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "This year's fare hike will hit passengers particularly hard because wages are rising so slowly.

The Guardian

Federal Reserve chairwoman Janet Yellen did, however, say that an interest rate hike "will be appropriate at some point this year".

The Guardian - Business

Earlier this year the Congressional Budget Office said a hike in the minimum wage to $10.10 would cost 500,000 jobs by 2016 but boost earnings for about 16.5 million low-wage workers.

The Guardian - Business

Over nine days, you'll kayak through mangroves, camp in style at Corcovado with the sea at your feet and your head in the forest, white-water raft down the Reventazon river and hike through the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

The Guardian - Travel

In the US, Bay Area developer salaries last year started at $117,000, according to Riviera Partners, and startups and multinationals alike hike pay every year to find the best people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hike" to describe outdoor activity that involves walking a long distance.

Common error

Avoid using "hike" to describe minor increases or gentle walks. Reserve it for substantial rises or strenuous outdoor walks.

Linguistic Context

The word "hike" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a long walk, while as a verb, it describes the act of taking such a walk, as also confirmed by Ludwig. It can also denote a sudden increase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Travel

20%

Business

14%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hike" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb, referring to a long walk or a sudden increase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly news, travel, and business. While generally neutral in tone, "hike" should be used judiciously in formal academic writing. When describing increases, be specific to ensure clarity. When referring to walks in nature, use "hike" to describe outdoor activity that involves walking a long distance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a trek

Implies a longer and more challenging journey, often through mountainous or remote terrain.

go for a walk

Emphasizes the leisurely aspect of walking, typically shorter and less strenuous than a "hike".

increase sharply

Focuses on the suddenness and magnitude of the increase, applicable to various numerical contexts.

go hillwalking

Specifically refers to walking in hilly areas, less intense than mountaineering but more challenging than flat walks.

ascend a mountain

Highlights the act of climbing to a higher elevation, specifically referring to mountain summits.

raise substantially

Indicates a considerable rise, applicable to prices, wages, or other quantifiable values.

go backpacking

Focuses on multi-day trips carrying gear, highlighting self-sufficiency and extended exploration.

climb steeply

Describes a rapid and significant upward movement, often in economic or statistical data.

go rambling

Suggests a relaxed and unstructured walk, often in the countryside, focusing on enjoyment rather than a specific destination.

take a ramble

Similar to "go rambling", implying a leisurely and unhurried walk in nature.

FAQs

How can I use "hike" in a sentence?

You can use "hike" as a noun to describe a long walk or a sudden increase, as in "We went for a long hike in the mountains" or "There was a significant price hike recently". You can also use it as a verb, as in "We plan to hike to the summit tomorrow".

What can I say instead of "hike" (long walk)?

Alternatives to "hike" when referring to a long walk include "trek", "ramble", or "excursion", depending on the length and intensity of the walk.

What can I say instead of "hike" (increase)?

When "hike" refers to an increase, you can use "rise", "surge", or "escalation" depending on the context and the magnitude of the increase.

Is it correct to use "hike" to describe a small increase?

While "hike" can refer to an increase, it typically implies a significant or abrupt one. For smaller increases, words like "slight increase" or "small rise" may be more appropriate.