uneven surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneven surface" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a surface that is not smooth, level, or regular. For example: After months of rain, the path had an uneven surface, making it difficult to walk on.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The broken, uneven surface posed a constant danger.

The Guardian

It is easy to stumble on its uneven surface.

The New York Times

No problem — skiers live on an uneven surface.

The New York Times - Sports

He then photographed the uneven surface before attending to the woman's injuries.

The Guardian

A Kurdish official said the anticipated repairs would soon correct this uneven surface nonetheless.

The New York Times

Lichens adhered to the uneven surface of the wall, colouring it yellow, grey and black.

The Guardian

I twisted my ankle stepping on an uneven surface in my backyard.

The New York Times - Health

The panels, which mimicked the uneven surface of the original walls, were fitted together.

The New Yorker

The uneven surface of the delta contains a network of existing and abandoned channels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why it's nonsense: A low sun and uneven surface can distort the angles of shadows in images.

The Guardian

On the uneven surface of the avenue other cars were progressing cautiously, watched by the fenced sheep on either side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical spaces or objects, use "uneven surface" to accurately convey texture and potential hazards.

Common error

Avoid using "uneven surface" metaphorically for abstract concepts like relationships or situations. Stick to literal descriptions to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneven surface" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "uneven" modifies the noun "surface". It describes a characteristic of a physical object or area, indicating a lack of uniformity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uneven surface" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a surface that lacks uniformity. Ludwig AI highlights its presence across diverse sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it's best used for literal descriptions of physical surfaces. Related phrases like "irregular ground" and "rough terrain" offer contextual variations, providing writers with a versatile toolkit for descriptive writing. Be cautious when considering the use of this phrase in the world of creative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irregular ground

Focuses on the irregularity of the ground, implying a natural, unlevel state.

unlevel field

Specifies an area that should ideally be flat but is not.

rough terrain

Emphasizes the rugged and challenging nature of the surface.

broken pavement

Indicates damage and irregularity in a constructed surface.

patchy ground

Focuses on inconsistent ground with changes in texture or level.

bumpy texture

Highlights the tactile quality of the surface with inconsistencies.

unstable footing

Focuses on the difficulty of maintaining balance on the surface.

undulating plane

Suggests a surface with a wave-like pattern of unevenness.

wobbly foundation

Implies a lack of stability due to an irregular base.

corrugated material

Describes a surface with a series of parallel ridges and grooves.

FAQs

How can I describe an "uneven surface"?

You can use terms like "irregular", "rough", "bumpy", or "unstable" to describe an "uneven surface". The best choice depends on the specific type of unevenness you want to emphasize.

What kind of problems can be caused by an "uneven surface"?

An "uneven surface" can cause tripping hazards, make it difficult to balance, or damage vehicles or equipment. It depends on the context and severity of the unevenness.

What are some synonyms for "uneven surface"?

Alternatives to "uneven surface" include "irregular ground", "rough terrain", or "bumpy texture", depending on the context.

Is it more correct to say "uneven surface" or "irregular surface"?

Both "uneven surface" and "irregular surface" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. "Uneven surface" tends to emphasize the lack of levelness, while "irregular surface" emphasizes the lack of consistent form or texture.