a big step

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big step" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something has achieved something significant or has taken an important progressive endeavor. For example: "Getting accepted into a prestigious college was a big step in achieving the goals she had set for herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a big step.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This was a big step.

The New York Times - Sports

a big step forward.

The New York Times

"That is a big step in itself.

The New York Times

"He made a big step today".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a big step backward".

The New York Times

But it is a big step forward.

The Economist

"This is a big step," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

For Liverpool, a big step ahead.

Independent

That's a big step for me.

The New York Times

It's considered a big step up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big step" to emphasize the importance of a particular action or decision in achieving a larger goal. For clarity, follow it with a prepositional phrase explaining the direction or purpose of the step: "a big step toward", "a big step in", "a big step for".

Common error

Avoid using "a big step" when describing minor or insignificant changes. It's best reserved for scenarios where there is a notable and impactful advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its main function is to describe a significant action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies a notable advancement or change. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic and business settings. The phrase is versatile and can be used to highlight progress in various domains. It is crucial to reserve its use for situations where a genuine and impactful advancement has occurred. Related phrases, such as "a significant leap" or "a major advancement", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant leap

Replaces 'step' with 'leap' implying a more substantial advancement.

a major advancement

Substitutes 'step' with 'advancement', emphasizing the progress made.

a substantial improvement

Uses 'improvement' to focus on the positive change resulting from the action.

a considerable progress

Replaces 'step' with 'progress', highlighting the forward movement achieved.

a breakthrough moment

Emphasizes the sudden and significant nature of the advancement.

an important milestone

Highlights the achievement as a key marker in a larger process.

a game changer

Suggests the event significantly alters the existing situation.

a turning point

Implies a critical juncture that alters the future direction.

a quantum leap

Indicates a dramatic and fundamental shift.

a giant stride

Replaces 'step' with 'stride', suggesting a longer and more decisive step forward.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big step" to describe significant progress or advancement in a particular process or situation. For instance, "The new policy is "a big step forward" in environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a big step"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant leap", "a major advancement", or "a breakthrough moment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a big step up"?

Yes, "a big step up" is a correct and commonly used phrase to indicate a promotion, improvement, or advancement to a higher level or position.

What's the difference between "a big step" and "a small step"?

"A big step" implies a considerable advancement or change, while "a small step" suggests a minor or incremental improvement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the progress being described.