a bold step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bold step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that is courageous or daring, often in the context of making significant changes or taking risks. Example: "Launching the new product line was a bold step for the company, but it ultimately paid off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a bold step".

The New York Times

This is a bold step for government.

The Guardian

Health organisations, however, hailed it as a bold step.

The Guardian

The Fed's emergency rate cut was a bold step.

The Guardian - Business

He has taken a bold step towards one.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking a bold step can leave you in a mess.

Nature

He's also unapologetically brash, a bold step for a punter.

The Guardian - Sport

Virginia took a bold step in tolling I-66.

The Washington Post

It's time to take a bold step forward.

The Washington Post

"I think it's a bold step in the right direction.

The New York Times

They made a bold step in the right direction.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bold step" to describe actions that involve significant risk or deviation from the norm. It implies a proactive approach to overcoming challenges or achieving ambitious goals.

Common error

Avoid using "a bold step" for minor decisions or actions that do not carry significant risk or impact. Reserve it for situations where the action truly represents a courageous or daring move.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bold step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use in describing an action undertaken with courage and significant risk. It often characterizes an initiative or decision that deviates notably from conventional practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bold step" is a commonly used phrase to describe an action or decision that is courageous, daring, and often involves significant risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations where the action truly represents a courageous or daring move, as overuse in trivial contexts diminishes its impact. Alternatives such as ""a courageous move"" or ""a daring initiative"" can be considered to add nuance. Remember that while it often implies positive change, the ultimate outcome determines its overall success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a courageous move

Replaces 'bold' with 'courageous', emphasizing bravery in the action.

a daring initiative

Substitutes 'step' with 'initiative', highlighting the proactive and inventive nature of the action.

a decisive action

Focuses on the resolute and impactful nature of the action.

a significant leap

Emphasizes the scale and ambition of the advancement.

a brave undertaking

Highlights the inherent risk and fortitude required for the endeavor.

an audacious endeavor

Stresses the willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.

a venturesome approach

This underlines the risk-taking and exploratory qualities.

a groundbreaking measure

Focuses on its innovative and precedent-setting nature.

a revolutionary tactic

This conveys that it is a new strategy or method.

an ambitious play

Emphasizes the high aspirations and potential impact of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bold step" to describe an action or decision that is courageous or daring. For example, "The company's decision to enter a new market was "a bold step" that could lead to significant growth."

What are some alternatives to "a bold step"?

Some alternatives to "a bold step" include "a courageous move", "a daring initiative", or "a decisive action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe something as "a bold step"?

While "a bold step" often implies a positive connotation of courage and innovation, it can also suggest risk. Whether it's ultimately positive depends on the outcome of the action.

When is it appropriate to use "a bold step" in writing?

Use "a bold step" when you want to emphasize the courage, risk, and potential impact of a particular action or decision, especially when it significantly deviates from the status quo.