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Question

Which is correct to describe and outdoor staircase consisting of many 'sets' of stairs:"flight of steps""flight of stairs""flights of steps""flights of stairs"

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

I'd say "several flights of stairs."

I wouldn't think it was weird if someone else said "several flights of steps" however.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Here in Canada, I don't remember the last time I heard 'flight of stairs'.

I usually just hear eg stairs eg some stairs eg a lot of stairs.

Same thing with steps.

Clive

CalifJim · Answer

It seems to me that 'flight of stairs' is a pretty ordinary expression here in California.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Grammar GeekI'd say "several flights of stairs."I wouldn't think it was weird if someone else said "several flights of steps" however.

I'd find it very weird if someone said "several flights of steps" - it has to be stairs.

Basically, "stairs" are indoors, and the word is only used if you get to a different floor if you use them. Any that are outdoors are always "steps", no matter how many there are - and any others that aren't covered by "stairs".

Philip · Answer

Flight(s) of steps sounds most natural to me (Colorado plains native transported 40 years ago to Pacific Northwest).

Avangi · Answer

I agree with GG.

In my experience on both coasts, "flights of stairs" is common.

The elevator was broken, and I had to take the stairs all the way up to my office.
(reply) How many flights?

In my understanding, a flight is a continuous series of steps without a landing.
So one might climb six or more flights in getting from the ground floor to the third floor.

I don't see any difference in terminology between indoor and outdoor stairs.

We also have terms like "staircase," "stairwell," and "stairway."

"She was standing on the steps" usually applies to a small number of steps, like the steps "up onto the stage," or the steps to a porch.

"The stair" is an old fashioned expression for "stairway."

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