a defining step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defining step" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means a significant action or decision that has a major impact on the outcome or direction of something. Example: Graduating from college was a defining step in her life, as it led her to her dream career.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As the nascent opposition movement prepares for its next major day of protest, set for Feb. 4, the tentative embrace of an alliance with nationalists has emerged as a defining step — but the consequences of such a move are far from certain.

The New York Times

Bratton is looking to increased, open communications as a defining step in ameliorating the department's image -- one that has plummeted over the past decade with controversial police tactics, including stop and frisk and the widespread surveillance of Muslims.

HuffPost

He also hailed the appointment as first vice-president of Miguel Díaz - Canel a former higher-education minister, saying this represented "a defining step in the configuration of the country's future leadership"."Who's he?" was how one Havana resident greeted the news.

The Economist

The NLD's message of change is one that has inspired the nation as they hopefully take a defining step in their country's reform process.

Vice

Reading that book became a defining step in my journey with prostate cancer -- and in my belief that I must share this message and launch a prostate cancer nonprofit: the Blue Cure Foundation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A defined step of aeration in which the air is integrated into the exhaust gas treatment (bio-filter) was considered at plant no.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Clearly there is need for a means of defining steps in the septic process that would apply to individuals, and to better define the course of sepsis in each patient after they are enrolled in a trial.

Critical Care

At the most simple level, limb mesenchymal progenitor cells first aggregate into a condense structure, and following a series of defined steps, they are then specified into all tissues found in the joint, articular cartilage included.

Developmental Biology and Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Principles and Applications

We propose a series of defined steps for removal of these confounding issues, to ultimately aid in the development of more robust clinical biomarkers.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer

Although some stochastic events will affect cell reprogramming, reprogramming follows a series of defined steps [ 12].

BMC Systems Biology

The development of the mammary gland is thought to involve a series of defined steps that consist of cell proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death (apoptosis).

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a defining step" to highlight a specific action or event that significantly influences the course or outcome of a situation. It adds emphasis and indicates importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a defining step" for minor or insignificant actions. Reserve it for situations where the impact is substantial and clearly changes the direction or outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defining step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific action or event as having significant importance in shaping future outcomes. Examples on Ludwig illustrate its use in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a defining step" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered expression used to emphasize the critical importance of a particular action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and explains that it signifies a significant action or decision that has a major impact on the outcome or direction of something. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. Related phrases include "a crucial turning point" and "a pivotal moment". When using "a defining step", ensure it accurately reflects a truly transformative action, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial turning point

Emphasizes a moment of significant change in direction or outcome.

a pivotal moment

Highlights the importance of a specific time with substantial consequences.

a watershed event

Suggests a major event that marks a clear division or change.

a game-changing decision

Focuses on a choice that drastically alters the situation.

a critical juncture

Highlights a key point in time requiring important decisions.

a milestone achievement

Highlights a significant accomplishment marking progress.

a formative experience

Focuses on an experience that shapes character or development.

a decisive action

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and impact of an action.

a key development

Highlights the significance of an event in a process or situation.

a fundamental shift

Suggests a significant change in the underlying nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defining step" to describe a significant action or event that shapes the future, for example: "Adopting the new policy was "a defining step" in the company's growth strategy".

What are some alternatives to "a defining step"?

Consider alternatives such as "a crucial turning point", "a pivotal moment", or "a watershed event" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a defining step" in formal writing?

Yes, "a defining step" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the importance of a particular action or decision. Its use in news and scientific contexts, as shown by Ludwig, confirms its acceptability.

What's the difference between "a defining step" and "an important step"?

"A defining step" implies a more significant and transformative impact compared to "an important step". A defining step shapes future outcomes, while an important step simply contributes to overall progress.