a commendable step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a commendable step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that is praiseworthy or deserving of approval. Example: "The organization took a commendable step by implementing new sustainability practices to reduce their environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is, rather, a commendable step toward better understanding of the disabled.

The New York Times

Though not quite an olive branch, it is a commendable step forward, one that demonstrates an awareness of a community of scientifically involved citizens.

The New York Times

The Bush administration's decision to freeze additional American assistance to Cairo to protest the treatment of Saad Eddin Ibrahim is a commendable step.

The New York Times

This is a commendable step but it will prove inadequate unless action-oriented government institutions are also in place, ready to facilitate private-sector engagement.

Forbes

Providing free journals electronically to the developing countries is a commendable step in correcting the thirst for new information [ 21].

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A couple of weeks earlier, the former President, deciding he'd had enough of the N.R.A.'s paranoid babblings about jack-booted federal fascism, had resigned his life membership--a commendable step, for which President Clinton rightly praised him in a post-resignation phone call.

The New Yorker

Though the sports world has historically received media attention for unsupportive comments about gay teammates, NBA Commissioner David Stern and Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld took an encouraging and commendable step when they expressed strong stances of support for Collins.

Huffington Post

The Home for Good plan is a commendable first step toward moving single homeless individuals off the streets.

The New York Times

David Cameron will shortly introduce public registers of the real owners of companies set up in the UK, and that's a commendable first step – but, as the Panama Papers have shown, the real problem is in our tax havens.

The Guardian

The launch of the mass media campaign against malnutrition, with a focus on exclusive breastfeeding of children under six months of age, is commendable step by the government and partners to make a difference for these children and to save their lives," said UNICEF Deputy Representative in Zambia Elspeth Erickson.

Unicef

Despite "commendable steps" under Rouhani, including the release of a limited number of high-profile political prisoners, violations had continued, Ban reports in a new report to the UN human rights council issued on Tuesday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a commendable step" to positively acknowledge progress or improvements in a specific situation. This phrase adds a tone of approval and encouragement.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid using "a commendable step" repeatedly in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or specific language to describe the action's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commendable step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a particular action or decision as praiseworthy. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commendable step" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing approval of an action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a variety of communications. Consider alternative phrases like ""a praiseworthy measure"" or ""an admirable action"" to add nuance or avoid repetition. Remember to use this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a praiseworthy measure

Replaces "step" with "measure", implying a specific action taken.

an admirable action

Substitutes "commendable" with "admirable" and "step" with "action", focusing on the action's worthiness of admiration.

a laudable effort

Uses "laudable" instead of "commendable" and "effort" instead of "step", suggesting the exertion of praiseworthy effort.

a noteworthy initiative

Replaces "commendable" with "noteworthy" and "step" with "initiative", highlighting the significance of the action.

a significant move

Focuses on the importance of the step, using "significant" to emphasize its impact.

a positive development

Highlights the positive outcome or progression resulting from the step.

a welcome change

Emphasizes the pleasant or desirable nature of the change brought about by the step.

a progressive move

Indicates that the step is forward-thinking and contributes to progress.

an encouraging sign

Shifts the focus to the hopeful indication that the step provides.

a promising start

Suggests that the step is a good beginning with potential for future success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a commendable step" to describe an action or decision that is worthy of praise. For example, "Implementing the new recycling program was "a commendable step" towards environmental sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "a commendable step"?

Some alternatives include "a praiseworthy measure", "an admirable action", or "a laudable effort". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a commendable step" formal or informal?

"A commendable step" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional communications, news reports, and many other contexts.

Can "commendable" be used to describe things other than "steps"?

Yes, "commendable" can describe various actions, qualities, or efforts. For instance, you could refer to "a commendable effort", "a commendable attitude", or "a commendable achievement".