a few steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small number of actions or movements that need to be taken to achieve something. Example: "To complete the project, you need to follow a few steps to ensure everything is done correctly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few steps upstream.

The New York Times - Travel

She took a few steps.

The New York Times

He took a few steps.

The New Yorker

She takes a few steps.

The New York Times

"Death is a few steps away.

The New York Times - Arts

She took a few steps back.

The New York Times

A few steps back, another officer follows.

The New York Times

She was always a few steps ahead.

The New York Times

He took a few steps forward, a few steps back.

The New York Times - Arts

A few steps for Bruce.

The New York Times - Sports

He danced a few steps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating precision is necessary, replace "a few steps" with a more quantitative measure like "three steps".

Common error

Avoid using "a few steps" when describing progress or processes that are not literally about physical movement. Instead of saying "the project is just a few steps away from completion", opt for phrases like "nearing completion" or "almost complete".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a few steps" is as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb of motion. It specifies the extent or degree of movement, indicating a short distance or a small number of paces. As Ludwig AI suggests, is a proper form of usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few steps" is grammatically sound and very common, predominantly used in news and media contexts to describe short physical movements or distances. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical structure is considered correct, and it is a versatile phrase. While "a few steps" is suitable for describing literal movements, it is advisable to use more specific language when referring to abstract concepts. High-quality sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker frequently employ this phrase, reinforcing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of steps

Replaces "few" with "couple", indicating a slightly more precise but still small number of steps.

a handful of steps

Uses "handful" as a quantifier, implying a small quantity but potentially more than "a few".

several steps

Emphasizes an indefinite but small number of steps, possibly more than "a few".

a short distance

Focuses on the distance covered rather than the act of stepping.

a small number of paces

Replaces "steps" with "paces", offering a slightly more formal tone.

within walking distance

Highlights the feasibility of reaching a place by walking.

just around the corner

Indicates that something is very close and easily accessible.

in close proximity

Emphasizes the closeness of two things or places.

within easy reach

Highlights the ease with which something can be accessed.

not far away

States simply that something is not a great distance from something else.

FAQs

How can I use "a few steps" in a sentence?

You can use "a few steps" to describe short movements or distances, like "He took "a few steps back"" or "The store is just "a few steps away"".

What are some alternatives to "a few steps"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a couple of steps", "a short distance", or "nearby".

Is it correct to say "a few step" instead of "a few steps"?

No, the correct plural form is "a few steps". "Step" should be pluralized because "few" indicates more than one.

When should I use "a few steps" literally versus figuratively?

Use "a few steps" literally to describe physical movement. Figuratively, you can use it to represent small advancements or progress, but ensure the context is clear and appropriate, or replace it with phrases like "slight progress".