scale the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

"scale the fence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to climb over or scale a fence, typically to gain access to the other side. Example: The burglar managed to scale the fence and break into the backyard of the house.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

World Affairs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

She began to leave, but her assistant decided instead to scale the fence.

The New York Times

In addition, a woman has been accused of trying to scale the fence three separate times.

The Washington Post

Drew's ball was hit hard, but not high, and it was no certainty that it would scale the fence.

The New York Times - Sports

Eight Palestinians scale the fence of the Olympic Village, enter the quarters of the Israeli athletes, and take them hostage.

The New Yorker

He itched to bolt from the room, scale the fence, and jog all the way to the highway.

MIT Technology Review

They took blankets to throw over the barbed wire and chairs to scale the fence, but soon saw that the equipment was unnecessary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

As Roddick, the 21st seed, prepared to serve, a man was scaling the fence behind him.

The New York Times - Sports

I curled the handle of the umbrella around an overhanging bough and scaled the fence.

The Guardian - Books

All he needs is one more ferocious swing, one more ball scaling the fence.

The New York Times - Sports

It was closed, but Mr. Owen scaled the fence and grabbed a kayak.

The New York Times

Scaling the fence, for all its risks – including being shot – costs nothing to try.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "scale the fence", ensure the context clearly indicates that the action involves climbing over a barrier, often with some effort or difficulty.

Common error

Avoid using "scale the fence" when a simpler, more direct verb like "climb" or "jump" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. "Scale" implies a more significant effort or challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scale the fence" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "scale" acts as a transitive verb describing the action of climbing over a fence. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in describing physical actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scale the fence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the action of climbing over a fence, often implying effort or an unauthorized action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, sports, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in formality, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Remember that related phrases, like "climb over the fence", might be more appropriate in some scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

climb over the fence

Replaces "scale" with a more common synonym, focusing on the action of climbing.

go over the fence

Uses a more generic verb to describe the action of passing over the fence.

surmount the fence

Emphasizes the overcoming of the fence as an obstacle, using a more formal verb.

clear the fence

Focuses on successfully getting past the fence.

breach the fence

Suggests a forceful or unauthorized crossing of the fence.

vault over the fence

Implies a jumping motion to clear the fence.

jump over the fence

A more straightforward way of expressing the action using "jump".

hop over the fence

Suggests a quick, light jump over the fence.

bypass the fence

Indicates avoiding the fence altogether, rather than climbing it.

cross the fence illegally

Highlights the unlawful nature of crossing the fence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "scale the fence"?

To "scale the fence" means to climb over a fence, often implying that it requires some effort or is done in a clandestine manner. It suggests overcoming a barrier, whether literal or figurative.

How can I use "scale the fence" in a sentence?

You can use "scale the fence" in sentences like, "The protesters tried to scale the fence surrounding the government building" or "Desperate to see the concert, fans attempted to scale the fence."

What are some alternatives to saying "scale the fence"?

Some alternatives to "scale the fence" include "climb over the fence", "go over the fence", or "surmount the fence" depending on the context.

Is "scale the fence" formal or informal?

"Scale the fence" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in news reports, but more informal terms like "climb over the fence" might be preferred in casual conversation.