uneven cliffs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneven cliffs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe cliffs that have an irregular or jagged surface, often in a geographical or scenic context. Example: "The hikers carefully navigated the path along the uneven cliffs, taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Called Lawa ni Apo Malyari by the Aetas, the area's aboriginal settlers, the lake is a turquoise expanse surrounded by high, uneven cliffs.

The New York Times - Travel

In "Rocks, Sea and Sky," the nearly abstract composition conjures the image of uneven cliffs along a shore line seen from somewhere at sea. White light tinged with pink pours down on the scenery.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It contains some very uneven terrain, with cliffs, boulders and a number of steep slopes.

BBC

The views are barely believable: hundreds of miles of uninhabited landscape, unspoilt by humans, but home to an uneven terrain of sheer cliff faces, deep reservoirs and dense forests hiding rarely seen creatures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The cliff path, the secret path on the rocky cliff, the aunt said, was uneven.

The New Yorker

Without my normal strength or reflexes, and with pains laminating each step, the path became fraught with loose rocks, slippery patches of grass, uneven sidewalks, and curbs that felt like cliffs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Researchers have found that the plateau that ends at the cliff edge was so rocky and uneven that mammoths and other weighty beasts would never have ventured up there.

The Guardian

A visitor will find intoxicating the combination of the worn surface of the uneven street, the damp river air, the musty character of the factories and the great cliff of stone.

The New York Times

The July trade for Cliff Lee added another left-handed ace and relieved pressure on Cole Hamels, who endured an uneven season but is still the reigning most valuable player of the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

"Roxy vs. Capital," the best piece in Mr. Putrih's uneven but promising New York gallery debut, is laminated cardboard construction whose outer surfaces give the impression of fantastic stony cliffs.

The New York Times - Arts

SERVICE -- Uneven.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes, use "uneven cliffs" to create a vivid image of rugged terrain, particularly when contrasting with smoother elements or highlighting navigational challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "uneven cliffs" simply as a negative judgment. Instead, focus on the descriptive aspect of the term, highlighting the irregularity and texture, rather than implying inferiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneven cliffs" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to provide details about its physical characteristics. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is used to paint a picture of the landscape.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uneven cliffs" is a grammatically sound and descriptively vivid phrase used to depict cliffs with irregular surfaces. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and provides examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media context. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a sense of ruggedness and instability. Alternatives like "rugged cliffs" or "jagged cliffs" offer nuanced variations. When using the phrase, ensure it serves a descriptive purpose rather than a mere subjective judgment. By understanding its context and implications, you can enrich your descriptions of landscapes and geographical features.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rugged cliffs

Emphasizes the rough and irregular texture of the cliffs.

jagged cliffs

Highlights the sharp, pointed edges and irregular shape.

irregular cliffs

Directly states the lack of uniformity in the cliffs' structure.

uneven bluffs

Uses "bluffs" as a synonym for cliffs, maintaining the description of irregularity.

rough cliffs

Focuses on the coarse and unrefined surface of the cliffs.

craggy cliffs

Emphasizes the rocky and uneven nature of the cliffs.

broken cliffs

Suggests cliffs that are fragmented or have a discontinuous surface.

asymmetrical cliffs

Highlights the lack of symmetry in the cliffs' formation.

undulating cliffs

Describes cliffs with a wavy or rolling surface.

irregularly shaped cliffs

More explicitly describes the non-standard form of the cliffs.

FAQs

How can I describe cliffs that aren't smooth or uniform?

The phrase "uneven cliffs" is a great start. You could also use alternatives such as "rugged cliffs" or "jagged cliffs" to add more detail.

What does it mean when cliffs are described as "uneven"?

When cliffs are described as "uneven", it means they have an irregular surface or formation. They are not smooth or uniform and might feature various protrusions, indentations, or broken segments.

Is "uneven cliffs" a common phrase in landscape descriptions?

While not extremely common, "uneven cliffs" is a perfectly usable and understandable phrase in landscape descriptions. It clearly conveys the texture and shape of the cliffs. However, Ludwig's analysis indicates it is relatively rare.

Are there contexts where it's better to use a different phrase than "uneven cliffs"?

Yes, depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize. For example, if you want to highlight the sharpness, "jagged cliffs" might be more appropriate. If you want to focus on the rough texture, "rugged cliffs" could be a better fit.