kind of steep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of steep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat steep, often in reference to a slope, price, or difficulty level. Example: "The price of the new smartphone is kind of steep compared to last year's model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Who's them?" the host, Mike Rosen, asked in an exchange that is typical of the kind of steep learning curve taking place on the airwaves.

The New York Times

"These cards are pitched as a way to build credit, but with these kind of steep fees and high interest rates, there is a good chance they will hurt," she said.

The New York Times

The administration hopes that by increasing the region's power supply by 3 to 4percentt, it can avoid the kind of steep price rises that hit consumers last summer and lessen the risk of shortages.

The New York Times

Kind of steep if you ask me, but I like where they're going with this.

TechCrunch

Yeah, kind of steep for a USB hub, but everyone loves a freaky looking gadget, right?

TechCrunch

It also has a retail price of $149.99, which is kind of steep for mono sound, but then again, what price can you put on getting an early taste of our virtual assistant-heavy future?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Press reports call this kind of falloff "steep" and "dramatic".

Forbes

"There's kind of a steep learning curve when you first come in, to change the way you think about things".

Science Magazine

Many Kurds hate Turks with the kind of enmity steeped in blood and ripened by centuries of antagonism, and in the confusion of war some Kurd will surely seize the opportunity to toss a grenade into a truck full of Turkish troops.

The New York Times

The tuition for this kind of education is steep.

Forbes

Mr. Constant achieves his own kind of steely, jagged Impressionism in this lushly colored and restless work, steeped in Bergesque atonality.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of steep" when you want to soften a statement about something being expensive or difficult, making it sound less harsh or critical. It adds a touch of understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of steep" in highly formal or professional writing. While acceptable in casual conversation and some news articles, it might sound too informal for academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise alternatives like "moderately high" or "somewhat challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of steep" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a moderate degree of incline, difficulty, or expense. Ludwig shows it's often used to soften a statement, making it less direct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kind of steep" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that is moderately inclined, difficult, or expensive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, offering a slightly informal way to express a subjective assessment. When writing, remember that while the phrase is acceptable in many situations, more formal contexts may require alternatives such as "somewhat high" or "moderately challenging". Therefore, being mindful of your writing's target audience is highly recommended, and remember that overuse of the phrase can diminish impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat expensive

Replaces "steep" with a direct synonym related to cost.

rather pricey

Substitutes "steep" with "pricey", indicating a relatively high cost.

moderately difficult

Replaces "steep" referring to the difficulty level.

quite challenging

Emphasizes the challenging aspect, similar to a steep learning curve.

a bit high

Offers a simpler way to express that something is somewhat expensive or elevated.

slightly excessive

Indicates that something is a little more than necessary or acceptable.

relatively sharp

Used to describe angles or changes that are significant but not extreme.

somewhat inclined

Describes a gradient or slope that is noticeable but not severely angled.

fairly severe

Highlights the intensity or seriousness, akin to a steep consequence.

reasonably elevated

Indicates a level or position that is higher than average but not excessively so.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of steep" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of steep" to describe something that is somewhat expensive, difficult, or has a sharp incline. For example, "The price is "kind of steep" for a simple USB hub", or "That hill is "kind of steep" to climb without proper gear".

What's a less informal alternative to "kind of steep"?

If you need a less informal alternative, consider using "somewhat high", "moderately priced", or "relatively challenging" depending on the context. These alternatives offer a similar meaning but with a more professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kind of steep"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Kind of" is an informal way to express "somewhat" or "rather", and it is commonly used in spoken and written English to soften a statement.

What's the difference between "kind of steep" and "very steep"?

"Kind of steep" implies something is moderately inclined or priced, while "very steep" indicates a much higher degree of inclination or expense. The former is an understatement, while the latter is a stronger statement.