a colossal step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a colossal step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or monumental advancement or change in a particular context. Example: "The new policy represents a colossal step towards achieving sustainability in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The treaty is not a panacea to end all violence, genocide and human rights abuses, but it is a colossal step in the right direction.

The New York Times

But the likely Democratic nominee has taken a colossal step forward from his first forays into regional diplomacy, when he seemingly struggled even to name a single Latin American head of state.

The Guardian - Opinion

He characterized the agreement on connecting the power grids as "a colossal step" that would help overcome the frequent disputes between Moscow and Kiev over Ukraine's acknowledged history of siphoning natural gas illegally from Russian pipelines to Europe that cross Ukraine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Baltimore's National Aquarium is taking an colossal step toward animal welfare with the creation of a "seaside sanctuary" where it will retire the eight Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in its care.

Huffington Post

Throughout his creative maturity Bruckner also composed a beautiful series of motets that punctuate the colossal steps of his symphonic progress, among them Locus iste, Christus factus est, and Ecce sacerdos magnus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Greek sculptors in 350BC created a 40-metre-high monument, crowned by a colossal four-horse chariot on a stepped pyramid.

The Guardian

Down a few steps and past a colossal sculptural chandelier that would not look lost hanging in the Guggenheim rotunda is a bright, busy room where people are tearing at pieces of bread, eating off one another's plates and talking with their elbows on the tables.

The New York Times - Food

What a colossal failure!

Independent

That is a colossal achievement.

The Economist

Safety is a colossal issue.

The New York Times

A colossal and inspirational figure.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a colossal step" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and importance of a particular advancement or achievement. It conveys a sense of significant progress in a clear and impactful way.

Common error

While "a colossal step" effectively highlights significance, avoid overusing similar hyperbolic phrases. Reserve it for truly monumental advancements to maintain its impact. Consider if "significant improvement" or "major milestone" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a colossal step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It describes a significant action or development, emphasizing its importance. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in conveying substantial progress.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a colossal step" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a notably significant advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness, especially in contexts where emphasizing the magnitude of progress is desired. Its usage is primarily found in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register. While not overly frequent, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of importance. For variations, consider alternatives like "monumental leap" or "significant breakthrough", but reserve "a colossal step" for truly substantial achievements to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a monumental leap

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the advancement, suggesting a jump forward.

a giant stride

Similar to 'monumental leap', this highlights the considerable distance covered in the advancement.

a significant breakthrough

Focuses on overcoming an obstacle or challenge to achieve progress.

a major milestone

Highlights the importance of the achievement as a marker of progress.

a game-changing development

Suggests the advancement will fundamentally alter the situation.

a transformative shift

Emphasizes the comprehensive and fundamental nature of the change.

a radical advancement

Stresses the innovative and groundbreaking quality of the progress.

a substantial improvement

Highlights the tangible betterment resulting from the advancement.

a considerable gain

Focuses on the positive outcome or benefit achieved.

a noteworthy achievement

Highlights the accomplishment as being deserving of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a colossal step" to describe a very significant advancement or achievement. For example, "The new treaty is a colossal step towards peace."

What are some alternatives to "a colossal step"?

Some alternatives to "a colossal step" include "monumental leap", "giant stride", or "significant breakthrough", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a colossal step" formal or informal?

"A colossal step" is generally considered neutral in formality and suitable for both news reporting and professional communication. However, it is less suitable for overly informal settings.

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

"A colossal step" implies a much larger and more impactful advancement than "a big step". "Colossal" emphasizes the magnitude of the progress, whereas "big" is more general.