Meaning & use
steep grades
Last updated
Meaning
nounpluraltechnicalspecialist
Sections of a road or railway that slope up or down sharply.
Grammar: Usually plural. The singular 'steep grade' is also used for one such section. Often preceded by 'on' or 'with'.
Patterns
- steep grades on a road
- a road with steep grades
- climb steep grades
The mountain road has several steep grades that are difficult for trucks.
The train slowed down as it approached the steep grades.
Cyclists should be prepared for steep grades on this route.
Word forms
| singular | steep grade |
|---|
Common combinations
- steep grades on
- There are steep grades on the highway near the pass.
- climb steep grades
- The old locomotive struggled to climb steep grades.
- encounter steep grades
- Drivers may encounter steep grades in the mountains.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sharp inclines
- More general; can refer to any steep slope, not just roads or railways.
- steep slopes
- Usually refers to natural terrain, not engineered surfaces like roads.
Opposites
Word family
- grade noun
- The degree of slope of a road or railway.
Commonly confused: steep grades or steep grade?
steep grades vs steep grade
Singular form; use it for one slope. 'Steep grades' is plural and refers to multiple slopes.
Practice
The railway line is known for its ______ grades.
Choose one answer.
'Steep' is the adjective modifying 'grades'. 'Steeply' is an adverb, 'steepness' is a noun, and 'steepen' is a verb, so none fit before the noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “steep grades”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.