a extraordinary step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a extraordinary step" is not correct in written English.
It should be "an extraordinary step" because "extraordinary" begins with a vowel sound. Example: "Taking an extraordinary step towards sustainability can inspire others to follow suit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is in a extraordinary step for them to interfere in the democratic process here in the United States of America.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Instead, speaking in funereal tones, he described the Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act on the grounds that the individual mandate was effectively a tax as "an extraordinary step".

The New Yorker

But even in long-established democracies like Canada and the United States, the winged caduceus that serves as an emblem of medicine can also be a nightstick Last week, in an extraordinary step, the Province of Ontario took out newspaper ads asking anyone with even one SARS symptom to stay home, and avoid family and church over the Easter weekend.

The New York Times

Neumann said it was "an extraordinary step for a company to be investigating journalists' sources".

The Guardian

Such a move would be an extraordinary step, and one that Republicans seem wary of taking should they find themselves in the White House four years from now.

The New York Times

Appointment of a trustee would be an extraordinary step that is generally taken only in the case of fraud or clear mismanagement.

The New York Times

This in itself was an extraordinary step in a country whose state broadcaster was literally the mouthpiece of government - reading word-for-word the news delivered to them by the state news agency.

BBC

Imagine an extraordinary step, like naming a major Democrat to head a commission on voting reform, or skipping over Antonin Scalia and naming a more moderate chief justice when William H. Rehnquist retires.

The New York Times

To say it's surprising is an understatement, it's an extraordinary step to take.

The Guardian

The vote was an extraordinary step, and an indictment of the factory conditions that at least one Chinese manufacturer expected to be able to export.

The New Yorker

"It would be an extraordinary step to recognize a nongeographical province," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound. The correct phrase is "an extraordinary step."

Common error

Avoid using "a" before words starting with a vowel sound. Remember, the article "an" is used before vowel sounds, regardless of the first letter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, when corrected to "an extraordinary step", functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a specific action or event that is exceptional or remarkable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a extraordinary step" is grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "an extraordinary step". Ludwig AI indicates that the error lies in the incorrect use of the article "a" before a word starting with a vowel sound. The phrase, when used correctly, serves to emphasize the unusual or exceptional nature of an action, and its frequency of use is considered rare. It's crucial to remember to use "an" before vowel sounds to ensure grammatical accuracy in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary measure

Replaces "step" with "measure" maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

a remarkable action

Substitutes both "extraordinary" and "step" with synonyms that are more grammatically sound.

an unprecedented move

Emphasizes the novelty and uniqueness of the action.

a significant development

Focuses on the importance and potential impact of the event.

a noteworthy event

Highlights the memorability and attention-worthiness of the situation.

an exceptional occurrence

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe something unusual.

a surprising turn of events

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation.

an unusual procedure

Suggests that the method employed is atypical.

a radical transformation

Emphasizes the dramatic and fundamental nature of the change.

an uncommon practice

Indicates that the action is not regularly done or seen.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a extraordinary step"?

The correct way to phrase it is "an extraordinary step". The article "an" should be used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What are some alternatives to "an extraordinary step"?

Some alternatives you could use are "a remarkable action", "an unprecedented move", or "a significant development".

Why is "a extraordinary step" grammatically incorrect?

The phrase is incorrect because "extraordinary" begins with a vowel sound. In English grammar, we use "an" before words that start with a vowel sound, not "a".

Can "a extraordinary step" be considered acceptable in any context?

No, "a extraordinary step" is generally not considered acceptable in formal or informal writing. The grammatically correct form, "an extraordinary step", should always be used.