steep ascent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steep ascent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging or difficult climb, whether literal or metaphorical, such as in a journey or progress in a project. Example: "The hikers faced a steep ascent as they made their way to the mountain summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Then follow the trail up the steep ascent.

The New York Times

The cars stopped at the base of a steep ascent.

The New York Times - Style

But his bandmates in Odd Future have made an extraordinarily steep ascent.

The New Yorker

Once or twice, a particularly steep ascent or descent required a short strategy session.

The New York Times - Travel

I quickly learned to keep the car in first gear for the whole steep ascent.

The New York Times - Travel

Nibali attacked with less than two miles left on the steep ascent to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

There are steep ascents and descents and streams that have to be forded.

The Guardian - Travel

You should be prepared to tackle two fairly steep ascents and one moderately steep and uneven descent.

The Guardian - Travel

It has a workmanlike 27-speed Shimano drivetrain which has the range to deal with steep ascents and fast flats.

The Guardian

It is a starter course that shows how to cross streams, navigate rocky fields and make steep ascents and descents.

The New York Times - Travel

We were put on a C17 a plane capable of steep ascents and descents -- precisely because we were flying into what was considered a combat zone.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a metaphorical rise, such as in business or personal development, "steep ascent" can effectively convey the rapid and challenging nature of the progress. For example, "Her career experienced a "steep ascent" after the successful launch of the new product."

Common error

Avoid using "steep ascent" when a gentler or more gradual climb is intended. For instance, don't describe a leisurely walk uphill as a "steep ascent" as this misrepresents the ease of the activity. Instead, consider terms like 'gentle incline' or 'slight rise'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep ascent" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "steep" modifies the noun "ascent". It describes a physical or metaphorical upward climb or rise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Travel

22%

Sports

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep ascent" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging or rapid rise, both literally and figuratively. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is suitable for various contexts, from describing a difficult mountain climb to portraying a company's rapid growth. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, as well as in travel and sports writing. While alternatives like "sharp incline" or "meteoric rise" may be appropriate depending on the specific context, "steep ascent" effectively conveys the sense of a demanding and often rapid upward movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp incline

Focuses on the angle of the climb, emphasizing its sharpness.

abrupt climb

Highlights the suddenness and unexpected nature of the upward movement.

sheer rise

Emphasizes the verticality and demanding nature of the upward climb.

precipitous climb

Implies a very steep and potentially dangerous rise.

arduous climb

Focuses on the difficulty and strenuous effort required for the climb.

challenging incline

Highlights the difficulty and demanding nature of the slope.

difficult climb

A general term emphasizing the challenging nature of the upward movement.

rapid advancement

Shifts the meaning to a figurative rise, such as in career or social status.

sudden surge

Implies a quick and forceful increase, often used in economic or political contexts.

meteoric rise

Suggests a very rapid and dramatic increase in success or prominence.

FAQs

What does "steep ascent" mean?

A "steep ascent" refers to a climb or rise that is characterized by a sharp or rapid increase in elevation or progress. It can be used both literally to describe a physical climb and figuratively to describe a rapid rise in status or achievement.

How can I use "steep ascent" in a sentence?

You can use "steep ascent" to describe a challenging climb, such as, "The final "steep ascent" to the summit tested the climbers' endurance." Alternatively, it can describe a rapid rise, as in, "The company's "steep ascent" in market share surprised many analysts."

What are some alternatives to "steep ascent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sharp incline", "abrupt climb", or "sheer rise" for physical climbs. For figurative uses, consider "rapid advancement" or "meteoric rise".

When is it appropriate to use "steep ascent" versus "steep climb"?

"Steep ascent" and "steep climb" are often interchangeable, but "steep ascent" might be preferred when emphasizing the continuous upward progress or challenge. "Steep climb" can sometimes simply describe the physical characteristic of the route.