steady slope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady slope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual incline or decline in a physical or metaphorical context, often in discussions about geography, mathematics, or trends. Example: "The trail had a steady slope, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A little more upbeat, Reid adds: "We've been really fortunate to be on a steady slope upwards, and if that continues we'll be very happy".

BBC

The last few years have been a steady slope downward for Roosh.

Vice

The highway ascends the western edge of the swell on a steady slope loosely following the north rim of Devils Canyon.

Wikipedia

A 50% inhibition of cell viability (IC50) was achieved at 10.6  μ M. Time course experiments with different concentrations showed a time-dependent reduction of cell viability with a steady slope (not shown).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ineligibility rates grew rapidly at the onset of the study and then achieved a steadier slope after 1 year of recruitment.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

The peloton sets off from Cordenons in north-east Italy, travelling nearly 100km on a steady incline before the slope kicks up at Paularo for the first serious mountain climb, lasting 15km at a gradient of just under 10%.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, women's performances are on a steady uphill slope, said Howard Wainer, a research scientist at the Board of Medical Examiners in Philadelphia and a statistics professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

But its trajectory since the IPO has been a steady downhill slope; at Monday's opening bell on the New York stock exchange it was worth about $2.1bn.

The Guardian - Business

Since the World Trade Center had been added to the skyline, the print became a curiosity, its vintage immediately apparent by the contour of the skyline: the steady southward slope, unbroken from Midtown to the tip of the island.

The New York Times

"They're not necessarily in free fall, but they've been on a steady down slope for some time at Sears, and we don't see that trend turning around any time soon".

The New York Times

But divorce statistics, which have followed a steady downward slope since their 1980 peak, reveal another interesting trend: According to a 2010 study by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, only 11 percent of college-educated Americans divorce within the first 10 years today, compared with almost 37 percent for the rest of the population.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical feature like a hill or ramp, use "steady slope" to indicate a consistent and manageable incline or decline. This suggests predictability and ease of navigation.

Common error

Avoid using "steady slope" to describe rapidly changing or erratic trends. The term implies stability and predictability, so it's unsuitable for volatile situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady slope" functions primarily as a descriptive term, combining an adjective ("steady") with a noun ("slope") to characterize the nature of an incline or decline. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

48%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steady slope" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression that serves to depict a gradual and consistent change in elevation or decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across diverse contexts, notably within news, scientific, and wiki sources. When aiming for alternative phrases, consider options like "gradual incline" or "consistent gradient" to achieve similar descriptive clarity. Be mindful to employ "steady slope" when conveying stability and predictability, avoiding its application in scenarios characterized by rapid or erratic variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gradual incline

Refers to a slow and even increase in elevation.

consistent gradient

Implies a uniform rate of change in elevation or decline.

uniform decline

Highlights a constant downward trend.

gentle gradient

Suggests a mild or moderate slope.

constant incline

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the upward slope.

even slope

Emphasizes the regularity and lack of variation in the slope.

regular gradient

Similar to consistent gradient, indicating a predictable change.

stable incline

Suggests a secure and unchanging upward angle.

continuous decline

Highlights an uninterrupted downward progression.

unwavering slope

Implies a steadfast and unchanging angle, either upward or downward.

FAQs

How can I use "steady slope" in a sentence?

You can use "steady slope" to describe a gradual incline or decline, as in "The path had a steady slope, making it easy to climb" or "The company experienced a steady slope in profits over the last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "steady slope"?

Alternatives include "gradual incline", "consistent gradient", or "uniform decline", depending on the specific context.

Is "steady slope" formal or informal language?

"Steady slope" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more technical or scientific writing might prefer terms like "consistent gradient".

Can "steady slope" refer to both upward and downward trends?

Yes, "steady slope" can refer to both an upward (incline) or downward (decline), although the specific direction should be clear from the context. For example, "steady uphill slope" vs. "steady downhill slope".