Radical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Radical step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or drastic action taken to address a situation or problem. Example: "The company decided to take a radical step by completely overhauling its management structure to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Divestiture is, of course, a radical step.

Harvard Business Review

That would be a radical step, but not irrational.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, for corporate America, that could be a radical step.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some economists call  for a radical step: huge debt relief.

The New York Times

I suggest we take the radical step of using science, not superstition, as our guide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such official acknowledgement of the shared legacy of ordinary farmland seems a radical step.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is far from clear that Italians would endorse such a radical step.

The Guardian

A fourth and more radical step would be to index the tax system to income inequality.

The New York Times

Instead, they should simply take the radical step of playing the music they love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arizona is not the only state taking such a radical step.

The New York Times - Arts

So far, the most radical step has been taken in Barcelona.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "radical step", ensure the context clearly conveys the reason for such a significant action. Provide sufficient background information to justify why a less conventional approach is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "radical step" to describe minor adjustments or incremental changes. Reserve it for situations where the action genuinely represents a significant departure from established norms or procedures. Overusing it dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "radical step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "radical" modifies the noun "step". It describes a specific type of action, one that is perceived as significant and often unconventional. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "radical step" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant and often unconventional action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It's frequently used in news, science, and business contexts to highlight substantial changes or decisions. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve "radical step" for situations that genuinely warrant such a description to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "drastic measure" or "bold move" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drastic measure

Emphasizes the severity and potential impact of the action.

extreme action

Highlights the intensity and departure from the norm.

bold move

Focuses on the courage and risk associated with the action.

sweeping change

Indicates a broad and comprehensive alteration.

revolutionary measure

Suggests a transformative and groundbreaking action.

far-reaching decision

Emphasizes the extensive consequences of the decision.

unconventional approach

Highlights the departure from standard practices.

major shift

Indicates a significant change in direction or strategy.

game-changing initiative

Suggests an action that fundamentally alters the landscape.

paradigm shift

Indicates a fundamental change in the underlying assumptions or framework.

FAQs

How can I use "radical step" in a sentence?

Use "radical step" to describe a significant or unconventional action taken to address a problem. For example: "The company decided to take a "radical step" by completely overhauling its management structure."

What's a less dramatic alternative to "radical step"?

If you want to describe a less extreme action, consider using phrases like "minor adjustment", "gradual change", or "incremental improvement".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "radical step"?

It is appropriate to use "radical step" when describing an action that is a significant departure from the norm and intended to create substantial change. It's best used when the situation warrants a drastic solution.

Is "radical step" a formal or informal phrase?

"Radical step" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it carries a sense of significance, it's commonly used in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversations.