imposing height

USAGE SUMMARY

"imposing height" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to a physical height that is so impressive or dominant that it is imposing or intimidating in some way. For example, "He was an imposing figure due to his imposing height."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Yes, perhaps novellas keep seeming slight even when they pile up to an imposing height.

The New Yorker

Jordan, from his imposing height, in his elegant suit, glared at her. "That's no excuse".

The New Yorker

Although the overall design echoes a nearby six-story structure at 241 Water Street, residents oppose the hotel's imposing height.

The New York Times

Standing at the top of the cliffs, we had a clear sense of their imposing height and scale.

The New York Times - Travel

A convivial New Jersey-born chef of imposing height and girth, he ran the city's premier seafood restaurant, Jasper's, for a dozen years before closing it in 1995.

The New York Times - Food

There just seemed to be something so incongruous about the master chef as spy: perhaps it was the fact that her imposing height and her distinctive voice would make it nearly impossible for her to blend into a crowd.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Enormous, intricately carved Zanzibarian doors reach imposing heights, and the ancient Omani fort was once the defence of these shores from the Portuguese.

Huffington Post

Residents, though, have banded together to impose height restrictions.

The New York Times

The new regulations would impose height limits from 35 to 720 feet in most areas outside Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

The new zoning, put together by Joseph Rose, the commission chairman, would impose height limits ranging from 35 feet to 720 feet in most neighborhoods outside Midtown and Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

The new zoning would impose height limits from 35 to 720 feet in most areas outside mid-Manhattan and lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imposing height" to describe structures, people, or natural features that are not only tall but also create a sense of awe, dominance, or grandeur. For example, describe a mountain as having an "imposing height" to convey its powerful presence.

Common error

Avoid using "imposing height" when describing everyday objects or people where the height is merely functional, not particularly striking. Reserve it for scenarios where the height genuinely contributes to an impression of grandeur or dominance. Describing a regular door as having an "imposing height" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imposing height" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "imposing" modifies the noun "height", indicating a significant and often awe-inspiring vertical dimension. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing buildings, natural features, and even people.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imposing height" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe something tall that creates a sense of awe or dominance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While appropriate for neutral and formal writing, "imposing height" should be used judiciously to avoid sounding hyperbolic in mundane scenarios. Its common contexts include describing buildings, landscapes, and people where the height is a key factor in their impressiveness. Alternatives such as "towering height" and "commanding height" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

towering height

Emphasizes the extreme tallness, suggesting a dominant and overwhelming presence.

commanding height

Highlights the sense of authority and dominance associated with the height.

impressive stature

Shifts focus from mere height to the overall impressive physical presence or size.

significant elevation

Emphasizes the measurable vertical distance, suitable for technical or geographical contexts.

considerable altitude

Similar to "significant elevation" but often used in reference to locations above sea level.

remarkable verticality

Highlights the quality of being vertically extended, often in a striking or noticeable way.

great vertical extent

Focuses on the measurement of the height or reach of something.

soaring height

Suggests a sense of uplift and expansive vertical reach.

lofty height

Implies a sense of grandeur and elevated position, often associated with aspiration.

majestic height

Emphasizes the dignified and impressive nature of the height.

FAQs

How can I use "imposing height" in a sentence?

"Imposing height" is used to describe something tall that commands attention. For example: "The cathedral's "imposing height" made it a landmark for miles around."

What are some synonyms for "imposing height"?

Alternatives include "towering height", "commanding height", or "impressive stature", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "imposing height" instead of simply "tall"?

Use "imposing height" when the height is a significant factor in creating a sense of awe, power, or grandeur. "Tall" is a more neutral descriptor, while "imposing height" suggests a more dramatic impact.

Is "imposing height" a formal or informal expression?

"Imposing height" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in descriptive writing, news reporting, or academic papers. It's less common in casual conversation.