a big step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or progress in a particular situation or context. Example: "The new policy represents a big step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

a big step forward.

The New York Times

But it is a big step forward.

The Economist

Still, 2006 proved a big step forward.

Independent

This will be a big step forward.

The New York Times

"It's a big step forward," she said.

The New York Times - Science

It is a big step forward.

The Guardian

"This is a big step forward..

The Guardian

But it's a big step forward.

The New York Times

Our team took a big step forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big step forward for Boston".

The New York Times

That's a big step forward," Czwartacki said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big step forward" to highlight significant progress after a period of stagnation or difficulty. It effectively conveys a sense of optimism and achievement.

Common error

While "a big step forward" is appropriate, avoid using it repeatedly within a short span. Vary your language with synonyms like “significant advancement” or “major breakthrough” to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It indicates a significant advancement or improvement, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big step forward" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote significant progress or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" exist, "a big step forward" effectively conveys optimism and acknowledges noteworthy achievements. To avoid redundancy, remember to vary your language and consider the specific nuances of each synonym.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the degree of progress made.

a major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and important discovery or development.

a substantial improvement

Highlights the positive change in quality or condition.

a considerable stride

Implies a noticeable and important movement forward.

a quantum leap

Indicates a dramatic and far-reaching change.

a marked progression

Focuses on the steady and evident development.

an important milestone

Highlights a key achievement in a series of events.

a positive development

Underlines the favorable nature of the progress.

a step in the right direction

Implies that the action is moving towards a desirable outcome.

a leap towards progress

Emphasizes the advancement being made.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big step forward" to describe progress or improvement, as in: "The new legislation is "a big step forward" in environmental protection."

What can I say instead of "a big step forward"?

Alternatives include "significant advancement", "major breakthrough", or "substantial improvement" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a big step forward" or "a major step forward"?

Both phrases are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. However, "a major step forward" may emphasize the scale of the progress slightly more than "a big step forward".

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

"A step forward" indicates any progress, while "a big step forward" emphasizes that the progress is substantial and significant.