jagged cliffs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jagged cliffs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe cliffs that have a rough, uneven, or sharp outline, often found in natural landscapes. Example: "The hikers were awestruck by the breathtaking view of the jagged cliffs rising dramatically from the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

On two sides of the house are jagged cliffs with 100-foot drops to the ocean.

The New York Times - Style

In the background, small mountains and jagged cliffs framed the scene.

The Guardian - Arts

Most of the island is strewn with stone, with jagged cliffs for a coastline.

The New York Times - Travel

And dangling upside down from a bungee cord over jagged cliffs is, face it, rather ho-hum.

The New York Times

With a 2-year-old in tow, I was daunted by the jagged cliffs it seemed we had to traverse to get to the water.

The New York Times - Travel

And then there are the tourists, drawn by Baikal's vastness, unusually clear water, pebbly beaches and the jagged cliffs and mountains that encircle it.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Our driver whisked us upriver and down, threading our boat through a needle-eye of jagged cliff walls at absurdly high speed.

The New York Times

As we craned our heads, Malcolm pointed out the summit, a bump in the jagged cliff wall that seemed tantalizingly close.

The New York Times - Travel

We made it back in time for a sunset drive down a sandy wash -- reached by taking the S22 some 10 1/2 miles east of Borrego Springs -- to Fonts Point, a jagged cliff overlooking the vast Borrego Badlands.

The New York Times - Travel

Suddenly the road winds downwards and, echoing the jagged cliff edge, is the jutting architecture of a very modern hotel nestling at the bottom of a huge chasm: the Ma'in hot springs.

The Guardian - Travel

At the heart of Australia's boom is the Pilbara, a region spanning 502,000 sq km, where jagged cliff tops and gorges flank the engine room of the Australian economy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a landscape, use "jagged cliffs" to create a vivid image of sharp, uneven rock formations, typically found along coastlines or in mountainous regions. This phrase is effective in conveying a sense of ruggedness and natural power.

Common error

Avoid using "jagged cliffs" metaphorically to describe non-physical entities (e.g., "jagged cliffs of despair"). While creative, it can sound cliché or forced. Opt for more precise metaphors that directly relate to the subject you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jagged cliffs" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "jagged" modifies the noun "cliffs". According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable English phrase. The examples confirm its role in vividly portraying landscapes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jagged cliffs" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe sharp, uneven rock formations, predominantly in journalistic and descriptive writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to create a vivid mental image of rugged landscapes. While its register is generally neutral, its primary function remains descriptive, emphasizing the irregular and rough nature of the described cliffs. When using the phrase, consider the context to avoid overuse in metaphorical scenarios and explore alternative phrases like "rugged bluffs" or "sheer precipices" to maintain variety and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rugged bluffs

Replaces "jagged" with "rugged", emphasizing the rough and uneven texture more than the sharp edges. The expression may evoke wildness and inaccessibility more than the raw sharpness suggested by jagged.

craggy rocks

Uses "craggy" instead of "jagged", highlighting the rough and uneven surface with projecting points and crevices, typical of old or weathered rocks. Rocks are more frequently associated with coasts and mountains than cliffs are.

sheer precipices

Replaces both "jagged" and "cliffs" with "sheer precipices", changing the visual focus from the texture to the steepness and danger of the cliffs. Precipice suggests great height and a nearly vertical drop.

rough escarpments

Emphasizes the steep slope or long cliff resulting from erosion or faulting, replacing both "jagged" with "rough" and "cliffs" with escarpments. Escarpment can refer to a long, continuous feature, which cliffs may or may not be.

serrated bluffs

Uses "serrated" to describe the edge of the bluffs, likening it to the teeth of a saw. The emphasis is on a repeating, tooth-like pattern rather than random sharpness.

uneven crags

Uses "uneven crags" emphasizing the irregularity and prominence of the rocks. "Crags" refers to steep, rugged rocks rising above the surrounding terrain.

razor-edged cliffs

Focuses on the extreme sharpness of the cliff edges, heightening the sense of danger. Razor-edged suggests a thin, acute edge.

broken palisades

Replaces "jagged cliffs" with broken palisades, evoking a sense of ruined or fragmented natural defenses. A palisade is a row of high, steep cliffs, often along a river.

angular scarps

Describes the cliffs as having sharp angles and a steep slope or cliff formed by faulting or erosion. Angular emphasizes the presence of distinct corners and edges.

toothed ridges

Compares the cliffs or ridges to teeth, highlighting the sharp, projecting points along the ridgeline. The term "ridges" shifts the focus from vertical faces to elevated lines of rock.

FAQs

How can I use "jagged cliffs" in a sentence?

You can use "jagged cliffs" to describe a dramatic landscape feature, such as "The lighthouse stood perched atop the "jagged cliffs" overlooking the turbulent sea".

What are some words similar to "jagged cliffs"?

Similar terms include "rugged bluffs", "sheer precipices", or "craggy rocks", which all convey a sense of uneven and rough terrain.

Is it correct to say "jagged cliffs" or should I use another adjective?

The term "jagged cliffs" is correct and commonly used. The adjective "jagged" appropriately describes the sharp, uneven nature of the cliffs.

How do "jagged cliffs" differ from "smooth cliffs" in terms of imagery?

"Jagged cliffs" evoke an image of a rough, uneven, and potentially dangerous landscape, while "smooth cliffs" suggest a more gentle, even, and less perilous environment.