steeper than unity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steeper than unity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving comparisons, particularly in mathematics, economics, or any field where ratios or slopes are discussed. Example: "The graph indicates that the cost function is steeper than unity, suggesting that costs increase at a faster rate than the output."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In terms of timing– 2(f)), the 95% confidence limits indicate that the PIIIit to PIIit gain (1.54, 95% CI 1.19 1.88) was steeper than unity and that the PIIit  to pSTRit (0.71 95% CI; 0.56 0.85) and PIIit to nSTRit (0.88, 95% CI; 0.78 0.97) gains were shallower than unity (Table 1(b)).

BioMed Research International

In contrast, the PIIamp to pSTRamp and PIIamp to nSTRamp  have gains that are significantly (P < 0.05) steeper than unity (Table 1(a); 1.64, 95% CI; 1.23 2.05 and 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03 1.56, resp .. Thus for a homogeneous photoreceptoral deficit (PIII) one can expect the same percentage PII loss but a relatively greater pSTR and nSTR reduction.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I love deep and steep, but sometimes it's a little steeper than I'd rather," he says.

The New York Times

Fragmentation, more than unity, is evidently the aesthetic goal.

The New York Times - Arts

This was greater than unity (k >1.0).

International Aquatic Research

are more than unity in modulus.

Agricultural and Food Economics

A ratio greater than unity indicates the presence of homogenization.

Ecological Modelling

Full Sample Income Elasticity was greater than unity.

Health Economics Review

The φ χ factor is always lower than unity.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Rest of water samples have KR values greater than unity.

Applied Water Science

end{aligned} (37)has a magnitude greater than unity.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "steeper than unity", ensure the context clearly involves a comparison of slopes, rates, or gradients. It is most appropriate in technical or mathematical discussions where 'unity' serves as a baseline value.

Common error

Avoid using "steeper than unity" in contexts where the concept of 'unity' as a numerical baseline is unclear. Ensure your audience understands that 'unity' refers to the number one or a standardized value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steeper than unity" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes the relative steepness of a slope or rate of change in comparison to a baseline value of one (unity). Ludwig AI confirms its usability in technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steeper than unity" is a grammatically correct and usable comparative term, primarily found in scientific and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI underlines, it effectively describes slopes or rates of change that exceed a baseline value of one. While not a commonly used phrase, its meaning is clear and consistent. Alternatives like "greater than one" may be simpler in less formal settings. It's important to use "steeper than unity" when referring to slopes or rates of change, ensuring that the reference to 'unity' as a numerical baseline is clear to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater than one

This alternative uses a more common and simpler numerical comparison.

exceeding one

This phrase focuses on the act of surpassing the value of one.

more inclined than unity

This uses "inclined" as an alternative for "steeper" which is related to the slope

with a gradient exceeding one

This rephrases the concept using "gradient" to emphasize the rate of change.

increasing more rapidly than unity

This highlights the rate of increase relative to a baseline rate.

rising at a faster rate than one

It uses "rising" to emphasize that the comparison involves some kind of ascending trend

with a slope greater than one

This clearly uses the word "slope" to highlight the steepness concept

possessing a higher slope than unity

This version is more formal, replacing "steeper" with "possessing a higher slope".

outpacing unity

This provides a dynamic verb with the general idea of going faster

showing a more pronounced increase than unity

This phrase emphasizes the visibility of the increase, adding a level of detail.

FAQs

What does "steeper than unity" mean?

In mathematical and scientific contexts, "steeper than unity" means having a slope or rate of increase that is greater than 1. It indicates that for every unit increase on the x-axis, there is a greater than one unit increase on the y-axis.

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

Use "steeper than unity" when describing a slope, gradient, or rate of change that exceeds the value of 1. This is common in fields like economics, physics, and engineering.

Are there simpler alternatives to "steeper than unity"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "greater than one" or "exceeding one" for simpler communication, especially when the audience may not be familiar with technical terms.

How does "steeper than unity" differ from "greater than unity"?

"Steeper than unity" specifically implies a rate of change or slope exceeding one, while "greater than unity" is a more general comparison that can apply to any numerical value, not just rates or slopes.