upward slope

USAGE SUMMARY

"upward slope" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a slope or incline that goes upwards or rises in elevation. Example: The hikers struggled to climb the steep upward slope of the mountain. Example: The road ahead was a constant upward slope, making it difficult for the cyclists to maintain their speed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

About 25% show a clear upward slope.

The Economist

The place is designed in an upward slope.

The New York Times

The more I walked, the more elusive became the top of the great upward slope.

The New York Times - Travel

In comparing the content of varying movies with similar ratings, they found a clear upward slope of scores over time.

The New York Times

Foreign markets may do better than the United States, in his view, because they are less further along in the upward slope of their economic cycles.

The New York Times

"We like a nice, gentle, upward slope," said Donald E. Goetz, the president of DeMotte State Bank, an 11-branch operation in the northwest part of Indiana.

The New York Times

"That steady drumbeat has drowned out the boring, but ploddingly consistent, gentle upward slope of U.S. economic data," Mr. Lewis said.

The New York Times

The upward slope of the toe wasn't that different from what you'd find on a pair of Dutch klompen, or on an unfortunate, once-worn pair of crepe-soled blue leather boots I bought in London in the late '90s.

The New York Times

The diptychs can be so sly that the mere upward slope of a line (as in the case of Jean-Luc Godard's square eyeglasses beside Woody Allen's arched, angst-ridden pair) is enough to set the two greats apart.

The New York Times

The diptychs can be so sly that the mere upward slope of a line — as in the case of Jean-Luc Godard's square eyeglasses beside Woody Allen's arched, angst-ridden pair — is enough to set two greats apart.

The New York Times

Bill McBride of Calculated Risk says yes: A key reason for the upward slope in real house prices is because some areas are land constrained, and with an increasing population, the value of land increases faster than inflation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data, use "upward slope" to clearly indicate a positive trend or increase over time. This is especially effective in charts and graphs.

Common error

Avoid using "upward slope" when you actually mean a gradual increase or improvement that isn't necessarily linear. "Positive trend" or "gradual improvement" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upward slope" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. As indicated by Ludwig, it describes a rising incline or a positive trend. Examples include "The more I walked, the more elusive became the top of the great upward slope" and "Foreign markets may do better than the United States, in his view, because they are less further along in the upward slope of their economic cycles."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upward slope" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe both physical inclines and abstract trends of growth or improvement. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific research. Its formality level varies by context, but it is generally suitable for both neutral and formal communication. When writing, remember that while "upward slope" suggests a linear progression, related terms like "positive trend" might be more suitable for less direct cases. Therefore, knowing your audience and desired tone becomes important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rising trend

Focuses more on the trend aspect rather than the physical incline, suitable for abstract contexts.

increasing gradient

Emphasizes the rate of increase and is often used in mathematical or technical contexts.

ascending incline

Highlights the physical aspect of going up, suitable for describing roads or paths.

positive trajectory

Suggests a planned or desired upward movement, often used in business or personal development.

growth curve

Specifically refers to a graphical representation of growth or increase over time.

uptrend

A shorter, more concise term often used in financial contexts to describe a rising market.

climbing path

Suggests a route that moves upwards, often with the connotation of effort and progress.

elevated plane

Highlights a physical upward direction or a higher level.

inclined plane

Emphasizes the angle of the surface and is a more technical and scientific way of referring to the upward direction.

step up

Implies advancement or improvement from one level to another, suggesting progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "upward slope" to describe a physical incline, such as "The road had a gentle upward slope". It can also describe a trend, as in "The company's profits showed an upward slope this quarter".

What's a more formal alternative to "upward slope"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "positive trajectory" or "increasing gradient" for a more professional tone. You could also use "rising trend".

Is it appropriate to use "upward slope" in scientific writing?

Yes, "upward slope" is appropriate in scientific writing to describe trends in data or physical inclines. For example, "The graph demonstrates an upward slope in enzyme activity". Using more precise terms like "positive correlation" might be preferable depending on the context.

How does "upward slope" differ from "positive trend"?

"Upward slope" typically refers to a more linear or graphical representation of an increase, while "positive trend" is a more general term for any kind of improvement or increase that may not be strictly linear. "Positive trend" can also be less mathematically specific.