steep incline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steep incline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sharp or significant upward slope, often in geographical or physical contexts. Example: "The hikers struggled to ascend the steep incline leading to the mountain summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The plane was in a steep incline," Mr. Bouker said.

The New York Times

We're in the woods, chugging up a steep incline.

The Washington Post

Edinburgh zoo is set on a very steep incline.

The Guardian - Travel

The ride begins by cranking both cars up a steep incline side-by-side.

Independent

One such leads from a record shop called Avalanche down a steep incline to Market Street.

The Guardian - Books

"No fuel or lights, islanders are careering down a steep incline since the day of emancipation.

The Guardian

The final stretch to the pass involved a scramble over a steep incline of wet rocks.

The New York Times - Travel

In one scene children drive dump trucks filled with toxic waste down a steep incline.

The New York Times

In the town of Easington Colliery, I followed a track up a steep incline.

The Guardian - Travel

A young man several hundred yards away from us has started riding down a steep incline.

The New York Times - Travel

This also means the occasional steep incline but mostly gently undulating terrain.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steep incline" when describing a sharp upward slope, especially in geographical or physical contexts. For instance, "The hikers struggled to ascend the steep incline leading to the mountain summit."

Common error

Avoid using "steep incline" in contexts where the slope is gradual or moderate. "Gentle slope" or "slight grade" would be more appropriate for less severe inclines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep incline" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "steep" modifies the noun "incline". It describes a sharp upward slope. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing roads, mountains, and even roller coasters.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steep incline" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes a sharp upward slope. According to Ludwig, its usage is acceptable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Academia. When writing, ensure the context matches the severity of the slope being described; for gentler slopes, alternatives like "gentle slope" or "slight grade" are more suitable. As evidenced by the examples on Ludwig, "steep incline" serves a descriptive function, providing spatial information across various situations. Highly authoritative sources consistently employ it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp slope

Replaces 'incline' with 'slope', emphasizing the abruptness of the gradient.

abrupt ascent

Focuses on the upward movement and the suddenness of the climb.

precipitous gradient

Uses 'precipitous' to highlight the steepness and 'gradient' for the rate of inclination.

sheer rise

Emphasizes the vertical nature of the increase in elevation.

sharp gradient

A more technical term emphasizing the rate of change in elevation.

steep grade

Synonymous with 'steep incline', using 'grade' to denote the degree of slope.

acute slope

Uses 'acute' to specify a sharp angle of inclination.

severe gradient

Highlights the intensity and difficulty of the slope.

pronounced slope

Indicates a noticeable and obvious incline.

significant rise

Focuses on the noteworthy increase in elevation.

FAQs

What does "steep incline" mean?

A "steep incline" refers to a sharply rising slope or gradient. It describes a surface that rises quickly and significantly over a short distance.

What can I say instead of "steep incline"?

You can use alternatives like "sharp slope", "abrupt ascent", or "precipitous gradient" depending on the context.

Is "steep incline" formal or informal language?

The phrase "steep incline" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

How do I use "steep incline" in a sentence?

For example: "The road became a steep incline, making it difficult for the cyclists." or "Rescuers used ropes to drag the injured up the steep incline leading from the Bombana River."