sense of height

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of height" is a correct and usable phrase in written English that can be used to describe the physical sensation of being high off the ground or in a tall building.
For example, "I felt a sudden sense of height as the elevator doors opened into the 70th floor of the skyscraper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And I've got it easy; I'm a minority only in the sense of height.

The New York Times

It's a clean takeoff: a sudden sense of height fusing with a deep surge of speed.

The New Yorker

Its horizontal bias is meant to diminish the sense of height.

The New York Times

Magnificent columns, beginning at balcony level, tower above on three sides, giving a sense of height and grandeur.

The New York Times - Arts

The professionals can reach hip height – the high legs of their costumes enable the judges to see skin when performing these lifts, giving a sense of height as well as a lengthening effect on the competitors' legs.

Independent

To disguise the nonworking chimney and create a sense of height in the room, he designed a headboard-like panel (made of plywood strips, padded with three-quarter-inch-thick polyester batting and covered with brown cotton) that extends up to the eight-and-a-half-foot-high ceiling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Miniature-scale models, combined with high speed photography, or matte shots, can manipulate the viewer's sense of gravity, height, and depth.

Vice

This will bring the viewer's eye to a lower level and create a sense of less height.

WikiHow

For example, if h = 0.5, which is roughly the narrow-sense heritability of height and a number of other quantitative traits [ 7, 30, 37], we find that ρ should be less than approximately 0.03 for recovery irrespective of δ.

GigaScience

To get a sense of the heights of madness scaled in this anything-goes atmosphere, consider a brainstorming meeting held by military officials at Guantánamo.

The New York Times

If you want to create a sense of differing heights, place your plants in tiers so that some of them are outside the pond, while others are partially in the pond water by using stones or varying sizes of overturned pots placed so that the plants and the tops of their pots are above the water line.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural spaces, use "sense of height" to convey the impact of vertical dimensions on the overall feeling and atmosphere of the room. For example: Floor-to-ceiling windows can enhance the "sense of height" in a living space.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of height" when simply referring to the measurable height of an object or person. Instead, use it to describe the perceptual experience of being in a tall space or observing a tall object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of height" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a subjective experience or perception related to vertical dimension. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of height" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the subjective perception or feeling of verticality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While "height" refers to a measurable dimension, "sense of height" conveys the experiential aspect, often influenced by design or environmental factors. When writing, ensure you're using it to describe a feeling rather than a measurement, and consider alternatives like "perception of elevation" or "awareness of altitude" for nuanced meanings. Remember that, thanks to its clarity and consistent usage across credible sources, "sense of height" is a solid choice for conveying the impression of vertical space.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

perception of elevation

Focuses on the mental process of perceiving something as being elevated.

awareness of altitude

Highlights the consciousness of one's position relative to sea level or the ground.

feeling of loftiness

Emphasizes the subjective experience of being in a high place.

impression of tallness

Relates to the subjective visual assessment of something having significant vertical extent.

experience of elevation

Highlights the direct sensation of being at a higher level.

sensation of altitude

Focuses on the physical feeling associated with being at a certain height.

view from above

Refers to a perspective gained from being at a higher vantage point.

lofty perspective

Implies a viewpoint from a high or elevated position, often metaphorically.

heightened perception

Suggests an enhanced or intensified awareness, not necessarily directly related to physical height but metaphorically connected.

vertical awareness

Emphasizes consciousness of the vertical dimension.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of height" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of height" to describe the feeling of being in a tall building or experiencing the vastness of a vertical space. For example, "The cathedral's towering arches gave visitors a profound "sense of height"".

What are some alternatives to "sense of height"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "sense of height" include "perception of elevation", "awareness of altitude", or "feeling of loftiness".

Is it correct to say "a sense of height" or simply "sense of height"?

Both "a sense of height" and "sense of height" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the context. Using "a" emphasizes an individual instance or experience of the sensation, while omitting it refers to the general concept.

How does "sense of height" differ from "height"?

"Height" refers to the measurable vertical distance of an object or space. "Sense of height", on the other hand, refers to the subjective feeling or perception of verticality. For instance, a room may have a certain height, but design elements can influence your "sense of height" within that room.