mountain flank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mountain flank" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the side or slope of a mountain, often in geographical or descriptive contexts. Example: "The hikers made their way up the mountain flank, enjoying the breathtaking views along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In late February, on a mountain flank west of the border outpost of Sasabe, 19 migrants tried to slip past the Border Patrol's deployment.

The New York Times

The James Reserve, some 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles on a mountain flank that is home to 1,500 species of plants and animals, including the yellow-legged frog and willow flycatcher, now bristles with enough monitoring gear to make it one of the world's most advanced tests of ecologic networking.

The New York Times

There is not much difference in the summit altitudes of the backbone range, whether bounded by active reverse faults or not, suggesting potential hidden active faults beneath the mountain flank.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Vegetation types from central Europe prevail on the mountain flanks and generally in the north.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adding to the drama are the towering trees that dot the nearly vertical mountain flanks, and the rivers that roll through the narrow ravines.

The New York Times - Travel

You'll be rewarded with dramatic views of the city, and Table Mountain flanked by Devil's Peak and Lion's Head.

The Guardian - Travel

Its five mountain flanks face different directions, so the area is great for tracking perfect snow conditions at different times of day.

The Guardian - Travel

The coast is characterized by frequent and intense oceanic storm systems that have produced dense rain forests on the coastal mountain flanks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Within the limestone walls of the Apuans are dozens of high villages clinging to mountain flanks, stone forts so long-abandoned they look like part of the landscape, and Italy's largest cave system.

The New York Times - Travel

More than 400 builders had died carving it out of mountain flanks in this remote corner where peaks in the Pamir, Karakoram and Himalaya ranges soar over 26,000 feet.

The New York Times - Travel

Using RADARSAT imagery, radio-echo sounding data and field-based structural data, we demonstrate that RADARSAT imagery can be used for regional structural mapping of the Transantarctic Mountains and, in particular, that bedrock structures can be traced subglacially beneath the ice-covered mountain flanks.

Global and Planetary Change

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mountain flank" when you want to specifically refer to the side of a mountain, often in the context of describing geographical features or climbing routes. This phrase is more precise than simply saying "mountain side" or "mountain slope".

Common error

Avoid using "flank" interchangeably with words like "summit" or "base". "Flank" refers specifically to the side of the mountain, not the top or bottom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mountain flank" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific part of a mountain. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for descriptive writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mountain flank" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, denoting the side or slope of a mountain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for descriptive and geographical contexts. While not as common as simpler terms like "mountain side" or "mountain slope", it offers a more precise way to refer to a specific area on a mountain. This phrase is used across various authoritative sources, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "flank" refers specifically to the side and shouldn't be confused with other parts of the mountain, such as the summit or base.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mountain side

A more general term for the side of a mountain.

mountain slope

Focuses on the incline of the mountain.

mountainside

A single-word alternative that conveys the same meaning.

side of the mountain

A more verbose but equally valid alternative.

slope of the mountain

Emphasizes the gradient rather than the location.

flank of the peak

Replaces "mountain" with "peak" for a slightly more elevated tone.

mountain face

Implies a steeper, more prominent side.

mountain incline

Highlights the angle of the slope.

hillside

A less specific term, suitable for smaller mountains.

mountain's border

Describes the edge of the mountain.

FAQs

How to use "mountain flank" in a sentence?

You can use "mountain flank" to describe a specific area on the side of a mountain. For example, "The climbers ascended the steep mountain flank".

What can I say instead of "mountain flank"?

You can use alternatives like "mountain side", "mountain slope", or "mountainside" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mountain flank" or "side of the mountain"?

Both "mountain flank" and "side of the mountain" are correct, but "mountain flank" is more concise and often preferred in geographical descriptions.

What's the difference between "mountain flank" and "mountain range"?

"Mountain flank" refers to the side of a single mountain, while "mountain range" refers to a series of connected mountains.