slight incline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight incline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle slope or a minor upward angle in various contexts, such as geography, architecture, or fitness. Example: "The hiking trail features a slight incline that makes it accessible for beginners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That slight incline up towards Costcutter is not "L'Alpe d'Huez".

The Guardian - Sport

A Scene of Chaos Interstate 91 rises to a slight incline near Hartford, Vt.

The New York Times - Sports

The circle disbands, and the children are shown running down a slight incline, bundled in down jackets, scarves and mittens.

The New York Times

Harry S. Truman High School, set on a slight incline, is a monument to utility, neither inviting nor forbidding.

The New York Times - Magazine

So she set up a putting green, with a standard-size golf hole at the top of a slight incline.

The New York Times

However, I soon realised I had severely underestimated the weight of the desk, and was having difficulty pushing it up the slight incline of West Hill.

The Guardian - Sport

A distracted driver, a Lincoln Town Car and a slight incline to a Midtown street led to a spectacular accident yesterday.

The New York Times

The key to the show may be "Catwalk," which is simply a large, squarish plate placed horizontally across a slight incline in the gallery floor.

The New York Times - Arts

As he was doing so a dusty yellow Mercedes with German plates reversed up a slight incline towards us, music blaring from its sound system.

The Guardian

The walkway carries worshipers up a slight incline to the back of the nave and a full-immersion baptismal font that directly faces the altar 300 feet away.

The New York Times

Museum officials said they planned to keep the flag enclosed in a glass case, at a slight incline, to protect it from stress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing terrain or pathways, use "slight incline" to clearly convey a gentle upward slope, ensuring accessibility for diverse users like those in wheelchairs or beginners.

Common error

Avoid using "slight incline" when the slope is actually steep or moderate. Overstating the gentleness can mislead readers or listeners about the physical demands involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight incline" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or subject of a clause. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct way to describe a gentle slope.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slight incline" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a gentle upward slope. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While the phrase is versatile, writers should ensure that the degree of inclination is accurately represented to avoid misleading readers. Alternatives like "gentle slope" or "gradual rise" may be used to add nuance, but "slight incline" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle slope

Emphasizes the gradual change in elevation, focusing on the smoothness of the ascent.

mild slope

Similar to "gentle slope", highlighting the lack of steepness.

gradual rise

Focuses on the upward direction and the slow pace of elevation gain.

gentle ascent

Highlights the upward movement with an emphasis on ease.

slight gradient

Uses "gradient" to specify the rate of inclination.

shallow slope

Describes the incline as having minimal depth or steepness.

low rise

Emphasizes the minimal height gained over a distance.

moderate slope

Indicates an incline that is neither too steep nor completely flat.

small elevation

Focuses on the change in height.

minimal grade

Uses "grade" to denote the degree of inclination, emphasizing its small amount.

FAQs

How can I use "slight incline" in a sentence?

You can use "slight incline" to describe a gentle upward slope. For example, "The path has a "slight incline" making it suitable for walking."

What are some alternatives to "slight incline"?

Alternatives include "gentle slope", "gradual rise", or "mild ascent", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slight incline" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight incline" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to describe a gentle slope in various contexts, as seen in examples from The New York Times and The Guardian.

What is the difference between "slight incline" and "steep incline"?

"Slight incline" refers to a gentle upward slope, while "steep incline" describes a slope that rises sharply. The key difference is the degree of inclination; a "steep incline" requires significantly more effort to ascend.