less steep

USAGE SUMMARY

"less steep" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a slope or incline that is not as steep as another. For example: The path up the mountain became less steep as we approached the summit. The new ski slope is less steep than the old one, making it easier for beginners. The prices for the product have become less steep over the years, making it more affordable for consumers.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Costs became less steep as technology improved.

The Economist

As a result, his fall is less steep.

The Economist

Try Shadows or Closet for something less steep.

The New York Times - Travel

It was made of metal, not wood, and was less steep.

The New York Times

The only good news: the rate of decline is getting less steep for newsstand sales.

The New York Times

The Cévennes are less backward than they were in Stevenson's day, but no less steep.

Independent

What if there's a less steep, well-paved incline nearer the summit?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That rate was less steep after 2008, according to the AP.

The Washington Post

Labour doesn't promise a great Keynesian spending splurge either, just cuts less fast, less steep.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Any course made less steep makes a difference for runners, psychologically and physically".

The New York Times - Sports

But the decline in the poverty rate is less steep, the study found.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the steepness of two slopes or inclines, ensure the context is clear. For instance, "The new hiking trail is "less steep" than the old one, making it accessible to a wider range of hikers."

Common error

Avoid using "less steep" when you actually mean "not steep at all". "Less steep" implies a comparison, so make sure you're contrasting it with something steeper or clarifying the degree of difference. If there is no comparison to make, simply use "gentle slope".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less steep" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by describing it as having a lower degree of inclination or gradient compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less steep" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. As the data reveals, it's frequently found in scientific and news contexts, serving to describe and compare inclinations or gradients. When writing, remember that "less steep" implies a comparison, and it's important to provide context for what is being compared. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "gentler slope" or "more gradual incline", depending on the desired nuance. With these insights, you can confidently and effectively use "less steep" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentler slope

Focuses specifically on the slope aspect, emphasizing its reduced incline.

more gradual incline

Highlights the gradual nature of the increase rather than a direct comparison of steepness.

shallower gradient

Emphasizes the gradient, which is the rate of change in slope.

not as sharp

Indicates a reduced level of abruptness or intensity.

more moderate

Suggests a middle-ground approach, suitable in various contexts beyond just physical slopes.

easier to climb

Shifts the focus to the experience of the one climbing, not just the slope itself.

less abrupt

Highlights the decreased suddenness of a change.

not so drastic

Implies a more controlled change, useful when describing shifts in intensity or degree.

more leveled

Suggests the terrain is closer to horizontal.

more even

Highlights a consistent, balanced change.

FAQs

How can I use "less steep" in a sentence?

"Less steep" is used to compare the inclination of two slopes or gradients. For example, "The updated ski run is "less steep" than the original, making it safer for novice skiers".

What are some synonyms for "less steep"?

Alternatives to "less steep" include "gentler slope", "more gradual incline", or "shallower gradient". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less steep"?

Yes, "less steep" is grammatically correct. It's a comparative phrase used to describe something that has a lower degree of inclination compared to something else.

What's the difference between "less steep" and "gentle slope"?

"Less steep" implies a comparison between two inclines, while "gentle slope" simply describes an incline that isn't very steep without making a direct comparison.