a collection of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a series of actions or procedures that are grouped together to achieve a specific goal or outcome. Example: "To complete the project successfully, you need to follow a collection of steps outlined in the manual."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet if Mr. Cunningham's basic precept is that any movement is equivalent to another, that does not mean his dance works merely make up a collection of steps and gestures.

The New York Times - Arts

Specific operations by known round (round) a collection of steps, in which the number of rounds can be 9, 11, 13 (depending on key length).

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Now that you have a collection of steps to help you stay focused from Method 1, the repeat test is a great way to test how effectively you use them.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Follow Lisa on Facebook or Instagram and don't forget to download your FREE copy of the eBook 'Find Your Fearless' with a collection of simple steps and strategies to help you overcome challenges and live with more confidence, on holidays and well into the future!

Huffington Post

The dancers gathered on Slava Okunev's set, which seemed merely a collection of towers and steps.

The New York Times

The first method obtains direct measurements of fitness from a collection of (presumably) single-step mutants.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

He has continued to write drama for radio and has produced fiction, including the Booker short-listed novel Silence Among the Weapons (1982), and most recently, a collection of stories entitled Stealing Steps (2003).

The Guardian

My parents were divorced when I was a baby, and I grew up among a whole network of divorced parents (both of my biological parents remarried and so I had a collection of half- and step-siblings).

The Guardian

Having established a core vocabulary and a collection of nonspeech audio, our next step was to draw meaningful associations between concepts and sounds.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

"You have to look at that collection of steps and say they deserve applause," said Timothy Daly, president of the nonprofit New Teacher Project, who has been a frequent critic of teachers' unions.

The New York Times

Just a few steps away, a collection of haphazard wood totems and rectangular plots trimmed in African heart symbols mark a newer cemetery.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex process, use "a collection of steps" to clearly indicate that multiple actions are involved. For instance, "The software installation requires following a collection of steps to ensure proper setup."

Common error

Avoid embedding "a collection of steps" within overly complex sentences. Keep the language straightforward to enhance clarity. Instead of saying, "The intricate protocol involves a collection of steps that are essential for accurate data analysis", try "Accurate data analysis requires a collection of steps outlined in the protocol."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of steps" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a group of actions or procedures considered together. Ludwig highlights examples where it describes processes in dance, computer science, and general problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of steps" is a noun phrase used to describe a series of actions or procedures. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and general usage. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys the idea of a structured process. To enhance clarity, avoid embedding the phrase in overly complex sentences. Consider alternatives such as "a series of actions" or "a sequence of procedures" for nuanced expression. Ludwig examples show the phrase usage in describing processes, like those in dance, computer science, and problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of actions

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the actions involved.

a sequence of procedures

Highlights the methodical and structured aspect of the steps.

a set of instructions

Focuses on the guiding nature of the steps, indicating a how-to approach.

a compilation of measures

Stresses the assembled or gathered nature of the steps.

a methodical approach

Highlights the systematic and organized aspect of the steps.

a strategic plan

Focuses on a pre-arranged plan.

a group of methods

Stresses that the steps come from diverse sources that complement each other.

an array of techniques

Highlights a wide variety of skills.

a concatenation of processes

Emphasizes the connected, chained nature of the processes.

a compendium of tactics

Highlights the strategic and diverse character of the approach.

FAQs

How can I use "a collection of steps" in a sentence?

You can use "a collection of steps" to refer to a series of actions or procedures needed to achieve a goal. For example, "The project requires "a collection of steps" to be completed in the correct order."

What are some alternatives to "a collection of steps"?

Alternatives include "a series of actions", "a sequence of procedures", or "a set of instructions", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a collection of steps" or "a series of steps"?

Both "a collection of steps" and "a series of steps" are correct. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the compilation aspect ("collection") or the sequential aspect ("series").

When is it appropriate to use "a collection of steps" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when describing a structured process or methodology. Ensure that the steps are clearly defined and relevant to the subject matter.