vertical drops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vertical drops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe steep descents, often in the context of skiing, snowboarding, or other activities involving elevation changes. Example: "The ski resort is known for its challenging vertical drops that attract experienced skiers from all over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It boasts the most lift-served extreme terrain in North America -- 542 acres marked by vertical drops and rocky outcroppings.

The New York Times

Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain at 2,962 metres, has 20km of runs, eight lifts and vertical drops of nearly 2,000 metres.

The Guardian - Travel

The Takakkaw (Cree Indian for "wonderful") Falls is formed by meltwater from the Daly Glacier in the Waputik Mountains and consists of three distinct, nearly vertical drops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cliff Hanger, Blackgang Chine, Ventnor, Isle of Wight One for all the family, the bright green and yellow Cliff Hanger is a fairly slow (up to 35mph) ride with no upside-down turns or vertical drops to scare the adults.

The Guardian - Travel

Part of the problem, the researchers said, is that skateboarders are less likely to use skateboard parks, which feature hair-raising vertical drops but are still safer than skateboarding in the streets.

The New York Times - Health

A series of chains and ladders near the summit make things a little easier, but it is still an adrenaline-fuelled challenge with countless vertical drops – suitable only for those with a head for heights and scrambling experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Beneath me a vertical drop.

The Guardian - Books

Want to gauge your vertical drop stamina?

The New York Times - Travel

There are six chairlifts; the vertical drop is 1,604 feet.

The New York Times - Travel

The vertical drop at Killington Peak is 3,105 feet.

The New York Times - Travel

The hole, nicknamed High Five, includes a 90-foot vertical drop.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geographical features or extreme sports, use "vertical drops" to convey the steepness and suddenness of the elevation change for dramatic effect.

Common error

While descriptive, using "vertical drops" in contexts lacking literal elevation change can sound awkward. Opt for more appropriate terms like "significant decrease" or "rapid decline" when describing abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vertical drops" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective-noun combination. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and can be used to describe steep descents.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vertical drops" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase to describe steep descents or abrupt elevation changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. While frequently found in describing geographical features and extreme sports, it should be used judiciously in abstract contexts. Alternative phrases like "steep descents" or "sheer drops" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near-vertical descents

Highlights the near-vertical nature of the drop, providing a degree of approximation.

sheer drops

Highlights the steepness and abruptness of the drop, emphasizing a dramatic effect.

steep descents

Focuses on the descending aspect, highlighting the steepness of the decline.

sudden falloffs

Highlights the abruptness of the transition to a lower elevation.

sharp declines

Focuses on the sharp change in elevation over a short distance.

abrupt descents

Emphasizes the suddenness of the decline, rather than just the verticality.

plunging cliffs

Emphasizes the downward motion or appearance of a cliff.

precipitous inclines

Emphasizes the steepness of the slope, focusing on the incline aspect.

cliff faces

Refers specifically to the face of a cliff, rather than a general drop.

abyssal depths

Refers to extremely deep areas, often associated with oceans or canyons.

FAQs

How is "vertical drops" used in skiing?

In skiing, "vertical drops" refer to the difference in elevation from the top of a ski run to the bottom. Ski resorts often advertise the size of their "vertical drop" as a measure of the terrain's difficulty and appeal.

What's a less technical way to describe "vertical drops"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "steep descents", "sheer drops", or "abrupt falloffs" to describe similar concepts without using the more technical phrase "vertical drops".

Are "vertical drops" only used to describe geographical features?

While commonly used for geographical features like mountains or waterfalls, "vertical drops" can also describe rapid declines in data or other abstract concepts, although alternative phrases may be more appropriate in those contexts.

How do I measure "vertical drops"?

"Vertical drops" are measured as the difference in elevation between two points, typically the highest and lowest points of a feature or course. This measurement is often used in skiing, hiking, and other activities involving elevation changes.