it was steep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was steep" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a slope or incline that is difficult to climb or navigate due to its sharpness. Example: "The trail was challenging, and at one point, it was steep, making it hard to maintain my balance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

You didn't have much room, but it was steep enough to get a good speed going.

The New Yorker

The neighborhood's decline had been as sudden as it was steep.

The New York Times - Magazine

A steal at $135 ,compared with around $1,000 for the original, it was steep just the same.

The New York Times

The mountain is only seventeen hundred feet high, but it was steep and I hiked along the switchbacks for nearly forty-five minutes.

The New Yorker

The prime minister's fall from grace, via a military that had helped install him nine months ago, was as sudden as it was steep.

The New York Times

It was steep in another area of immunotherapy as well.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It was steeper here, and more thickly wooded, and the earth underfoot was gravelly and slick.

The New Yorker

Typically, it was steeped in historical and philosophical nuances that risked being lost in the headlines.

The New York Times

It was steeped in 1950's futurism: Why, of course!

TechCrunch

Instead, it was steeped in the zeitgeist of twentieth century iniquity.

Huffington Post

Eugene Myers wasn't disappointed following the hype about the episode, saying that it was "steeped in nostalgia".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical incline, use "it was steep" to clearly convey a significant slope. Pair it with additional details about the terrain or the experience of traversing it.

Common error

Avoid using "it was steep" metaphorically without ensuring the audience understands the intended comparison. Be clear about what aspect you are comparing to a steep incline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was steep" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, characterizing something as having a sharp incline or rapid ascent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was steep" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a significant incline or a challenging ascent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used both literally and figuratively across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and science-related content. While straightforward, paying attention to the surrounding details ensures that its intended meaning is clearly communicated. Remember to contextualize metaphorical uses to prevent misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was sharply inclined

Emphasizes the sharp angle of the incline.

it presented a sharp incline

Focuses on the presence and nature of a very inclined slope.

it was a sharp ascent

Highlights the act of going up and the sharpness of the slope.

it had a sharp pitch

Uses "pitch" to describe the steepness, often used in a technical context.

it was a difficult climb

Focuses on the difficulty of climbing due to the steepness.

it was an arduous incline

Emphasizes the strenuous nature of the steep slope.

it was a challenging grade

Uses "grade," a term commonly used in engineering and construction to describe steepness.

it was vertically challenging

Highlights the vertical difficulty of the slope.

it was precipitously inclined

Describes the incline as being extremely steep, implying a sense of danger.

it was severely sloped

Indicates a severe angle of the slope, pointing out the challenge of the terrain.

FAQs

How can I use "it was steep" in a sentence?

Use "it was steep" to describe a slope or incline that is difficult to climb or navigate. For example: "The trail was challenging, and at one point, "it was steep", making it hard to maintain my balance."

What are some alternatives to "it was steep"?

Alternatives include "it was sharply inclined", "it was a difficult climb", or "it had a sharp pitch", depending on the context.

Is "it was steep" formal or informal?

"It was steep" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a physical incline or metaphorical challenge.

Can "it was steep" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "it was steep" can be used metaphorically to describe a rapid increase or a challenging learning curve. For example, "The learning curve for the new software was steep."