steep slope

USAGE SUMMARY

'steep slope' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a sudden, sharp incline or decline. For example, you could say, "The trail dipped suddenly, taking us down a steep slope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The steep slope meant that we slept at an angle, like wrong-way-up bats.

The Guardian - Travel

Not steep slope.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

On steep slope among herbs below road.

Harvard University

Steep slope with other shrubs and small trees.

Harvard University

Submarine canyons indent the steep slope below the break.

Britannica

Characters can't climb a slope, or even a steep slope.

The Guardian - Books

Their platter-sized prints climbed straight up the steep slope.

The New York Times - Travel

"We're on a steep slope here," she said.

The New York Times

Solifluction, flowage of water-saturated soil down a steep slope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gregarious, solitary and subfasciculate in rocky soil of steep slope of alpine meadow.

Harvard University

But the point is, wherever it is, it's not going to be a very steep slope.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical features, combine "steep slope" with descriptive adjectives to provide better visualization, such as "rocky steep slope" or "snowy steep slope".

Common error

Avoid using "steep slope" when referring to gradual changes or processes. This phrase is best suited for scenarios involving abrupt inclines or declines, whether literal or figurative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep slope" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a direct object or prepositional complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its descriptive use in geographical and metaphorical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steep slope" is a common noun phrase used to describe a sharp incline or decline, both literally and figuratively. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it can lean towards more formal registers in specialized publications. When using "steep slope", ensure the context involves a sudden change to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp incline

Emphasizes the abruptness and severity of the upward angle.

precipitous descent

Highlights the sudden and rapid downward movement.

abrupt gradient

Focuses on the rate of change in elevation.

sharp decline

Similar to "steep slope" but can also apply to non-physical contexts like business or health.

sheer cliff

Implies a vertical or near-vertical drop.

declivitous terrain

More formal and technical term for sloping ground.

severe incline

Highlights the difficulty and effort required to ascend.

critical juncture

Metaphorically suggests a point of significant change or risk, similar to navigating a difficult slope.

challenging upgrade

Focuses the characteristic of the incline being difficult to go up.

hazardous decline

Focuses the characteristic of the decline being dangerous.

FAQs

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

You can use "steep slope" to describe a sharp incline or decline, as in "The hikers struggled to ascend the "steep slope"" or "The car skidded down the "steep slope"".

What are some alternatives to "steep slope"?

Alternatives include "sharp incline", "precipitous descent", or "abrupt gradient", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "steep slope" in a business context?

Yes, "steep slope" can be used metaphorically to describe a rapid decline in profits or market share. However, ensure the context clearly implies a sudden and significant drop.

What's the difference between "steep slope" and "slippery slope"?

"Steep slope" refers to a literal or figurative sharp incline/decline. "Slippery slope" is an argument suggesting one action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.