a critical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a specific action or phase in a process or project. Example: "Implementing this new software is a critical step towards improving our overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's a critical step".

The New York Times

But such rules are a critical step.

The New Yorker

Effective border control is a critical step.

The New York Times

This proved to be a critical step.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

"This pension reform is a critical step in that process".

The New York Times

Assessing pivotal impact is a critical step toward further progress.

Harvard Business Review

manipulation was a critical step in creating the back door.

MIT Technology Review

This process is a critical step for any data scientist.

Harvard University

This is a critical step toward designing risk management strategies.

Columbia University

Job interviews are a critical step in the hiring process.

Cornell University

And for Wineburg, it involves taking a critical step.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a critical step" when you want to emphasize the importance of a particular action or stage in achieving a goal. It's especially effective when outlining a process or strategy.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical step" for every step in a process. Reserve it for the steps that truly have a significant impact or are essential for success. Overusing the phrase dilutes its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical step" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a stage, action, or measure that is of utmost importance. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a critical step" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular action or stage. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, highlighting its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the step truly warrants the emphasis, and consider alternatives like "an essential measure" or "a key component" to avoid overuse. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential measure

Replaces "step" with "measure", emphasizing the importance of the action as a method or process.

a key component

Focuses on the role of the step as a necessary part of a larger whole.

a vital stage

Substitutes "step" with "stage", highlighting the sequential and developmental aspect of the action.

an indispensable element

Emphasizes the necessity of the element, suggesting it cannot be done without.

a crucial action

Replaces "step" with "action", focusing on the act itself being vital.

a significant move

Highlights the importance of the step as a purposeful change or advancement.

a fundamental requirement

Indicates the step is a basic and necessary condition.

a primary necessity

Focuses on the step being something that is urgently needed or essential.

a cornerstone

Implies that the step is the foundation for something of quality.

a make-or-break point

Suggests the step will determine success or failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a critical step" to highlight the importance of an action. For example, "Securing funding is "a critical step" in launching the project."

What are some alternatives to "a critical step"?

Alternatives include "an essential measure", "a key component", or "a vital stage" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a critical step"?

Use "a critical step" when you want to emphasize that a particular action is essential and significantly impacts the outcome. It's suitable when outlining key stages in a process or strategy.

Is there a difference between "a critical step" and "an important step"?

"A critical step" implies that the action is absolutely necessary and can determine success or failure, whereas "an important step" suggests the action is significant but not necessarily decisive. Therefore, "a critical step" carries more weight.