sloping sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sloping sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the angled or inclined surfaces of an object, often in contexts related to geometry, architecture, or design. Example: "The pyramid has sloping sides that rise to a pointed apex, giving it a distinctive shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Solar cells will cover the sloping sides.

Princeton University

The domes are half a mile to three miles across, and some have steeply sloping sides.

The New York Times - Science

The hip is the external angle at which adjacent sloping sides of a roof meet.

Britannica

Mrs. Chen sold what she called a Peking pan, a deep skillet with sloping sides.

The New York Times

The pan should be fairly shallow, with a flat bottom, sloping sides and two handles.

The New York Times - Food

To one side stood the children's science museum, with its sloping sides of glass and its serrated roof.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The ice bustles had cylindrical shapes with slightly downward sloping side walls.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

"I'm going to take the high line," he said, before driving -- successfully -- across one sloping side of the depression high enough up to miss deep mud.

The New York Times

In an exceptionally lyrical image, palm trees stand like sentinels between some low houses and the sloping side of a mountain.

The New York Times - Arts

Soon a woman in a white dress mounts Ms. Hadid's silvery structure, dancing a short and tender duo with a man on its sloping side.

The New York Times - Arts

On the sloping side of the house is an unruly garden where raspberries, strawberries and dozens of other varietals are allowed to grow wild.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural features, consider using "sloping sides" to clearly indicate the angle of a roof, wall, or other structural element.

Common error

Avoid using "sloping sides" when "curved surfaces" or "rounded edges" are more accurate descriptions. Always ensure that "sloping" accurately reflects the angled nature of the sides being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sloping sides" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It modifies a noun to indicate that the sides of the object are inclined rather than vertical. Examples from Ludwig show its application in describing diverse objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

17%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sloping sides" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed descriptive phrase. As Ludwig AI validates, it accurately portrays surfaces that incline rather than stand vertically. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academic contexts, the phrase serves to vividly describe structural or geographical features. While alternatives such as "inclined sides" or "angled sides" exist, "sloping sides" maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. When using the phrase, prioritize contextual accuracy to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclined sides

Replaces "sloping" with "inclined", a synonym with a slightly more formal tone.

angled sides

Substitutes "sloping" with "angled", focusing on the geometric aspect of the inclination.

tilted sides

Uses "tilted" to convey a sense of being off-vertical, implying a slight degree of slope.

slanted edges

Replaces "sides" with "edges", referring to the boundary lines of the surface.

sloping surface

Shifts the focus from multiple sides to a single surface that slopes.

gradient sides

Uses "gradient" to emphasize the rate of inclination of the sides.

sloping walls

Specifies "walls" as the sides, often referring to architectural contexts.

sloped flanks

Employs "flanks" to describe the sides, typically in geographical or anatomical contexts.

sloping faces

Substitutes "sides" with "faces", highlighting the visible surfaces that slope.

beveled edges

Replaces the concept of slope with a chamfered or angled edge, focusing on the edge treatment.

FAQs

How can I use "sloping sides" in a sentence?

You can use "sloping sides" to describe various objects. For example, "The pyramid has "sloping sides" that meet at a point at the top".

What's a synonym for "sloping sides"?

Synonyms include "inclined sides" or "angled sides". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the side is sloping' instead of "sloping sides"?

Yes, "the side is sloping" is grammatically correct, but "sloping sides" is often used to describe an object's features directly.

What is the difference between "sloping sides" and "vertical sides"?

"Sloping sides" refer to sides that are at an angle, while "vertical sides" are straight up and down, forming a 90-degree angle with the base.