steeper than ever

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steeper than ever" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that has become more intense or extreme compared to previous times. Example: "The learning curve for this new software is steeper than ever, making it challenging for new users to adapt quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nearly 1,000 communities across the country faced a second year of cuts — some of them steeper than ever — in the block grant money handed out by the federal housing agency.

The New York Times

We now have the worst of all worlds: the hierarchy is steeper than ever but diversity that did exist within the non-selective system is being ironed out as schools are forced into chains and obliged to conform on everything from curriculum, qualifications and culture, to the dress codes of pupils and staff.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The price for acquiring Anthony, however, is much steeper than the Knicks ever anticipated, and steeper than some team officials are comfortable with.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only are the slopes steeper and tricks trickier than ever before.

The Economist

"These days, the price of poor listening as a leader is steeper — and more immediate — than ever," wrote Ryan in his post How to Be a Chief Listening Officer.

BBC

"Jewels," 40 years on, looks more than ever a classic steeped in classicism.

The New York Times - Arts

"This recession has been more brutal, the job losses steeper, politics seems nastier, Congress is more gridlocked than ever, some folks in the financial sector have been less than model citizens," he said.

The New York Times

Fifteen years later, the friendship and the penchant are stronger than ever as evidenced by Deep Steep, a line of all-natural bath and body products that they created (sold at Fred Segal in Los Angeles and Harvey Nichols in London).

The New York Times - Style

Tax increases and steep spending cuts have ground many European citizens deeper than ever into hardship, prompting millions to demonstrate in Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

The New York Times

Although many consumer categories are scaling faster than ever, the growth trajectory is still typically not as steep as traditional venture capital investments.

TechCrunch

Steeped in the spirit of 1970s social commentary, this show examines more acutely than ever before the psychic price women pay when their drive, intelligence and energy are arrogated to male ambition.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steeper than ever", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is becoming steeper. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "The challenge is steeper than ever", specify "The learning curve for this software is steeper than ever".

Common error

Avoid using "steeper than ever" when simply referring to a general increase without a specific point of comparison. Saying "The prices are steeper than ever" might be vague. Clarify by adding 'compared to last year' or 'compared to the competition' to provide the necessary context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steeper than ever" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase, intensifying the degree of the adjective "steeper". This construction serves to emphasize that a current state or condition has surpassed all previous levels of intensity or difficulty. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steeper than ever" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize that a situation has reached a new level of intensity or difficulty. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, provide context to clarify what is becoming "steeper", and avoid vagueness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively used to convey urgency or concern. Consider alternatives like "more extreme than before" or "more intense than previously" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more extreme than before

Focuses on the increased extremity of a situation.

more intense than previously

Highlights the heightened intensity compared to past occurrences.

worse than it has ever been

Emphasizes the deteriorated state relative to all prior times.

more pronounced than in the past

Indicates that something is now more noticeable or obvious.

at an all-time high

Implies reaching the highest level ever recorded.

more acute than ever before

Emphasizes the heightened sharpness or severity.

more critical than at any time

Highlights the increased criticality or importance.

more aggravated than formerly

Focuses on the intensified aggravation or worsening.

exceeding all previous levels

Highlights the fact that something has surpassed all prior amounts.

unprecedentedly severe

Stresses the unparalleled severity of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "steeper than ever" in a sentence?

You can use "steeper than ever" to describe an increase in difficulty, cost, or intensity. For example, "The competition in the market is "fiercer than ever"", or "The fines for environmental violations are "higher than ever"".

What does "steeper than ever" mean?

"Steeper than ever" means something has become more intense, difficult, or extreme compared to any previous point in time. It indicates a significant increase in the gradient of difficulty or intensity.

What can I say instead of "steeper than ever"?

You can use alternatives like "more extreme than before", "more intense than previously", or "worse than it has ever been" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "steeper than ever"?

It is appropriate to use "steeper than ever" when you want to emphasize that a particular challenge, cost, or intensity has reached a new, more significant level compared to the past. Make sure you provide context as to what is increasing.