a further step

USAGE SUMMARY

"a further step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence such as, "Taking a further step in our research, we identified a key player in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The glasses are a further step.

The Guardian - Travel

"This nauseating act constitutes a further step towards abscurantism.

The Guardian - Arts

In Munich, Spielberg has taken a further step.

The Guardian - Film

It is a further step in the right direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

I also challenge you to take a further step.

The New York Times

Some have suggested bomb-sniffing bees as a further step.

The Economist

A further step was the development of guided projectiles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a further step in Nixon's southern strategy--a policy affronting millions of black citizens.

The New Yorker

"With this mammoth first-day sales tally, Adele has taken a further step towards greatness.

The Guardian - Music

This week Mr. Trimble took a further step to prepare his party for new peace moves.

The New York Times

A further step would be to try to resettle the men elsewhere in PNG.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or adjectives to add more detail to the phrase. For instance, instead of just saying "a further step", you can say "a significant further step" or "a decisive further step" for a more impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a further step" repetitively without providing clear context or variation. Overusing it can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, mix it up with synonyms like "an additional measure" or "a subsequent action" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a further step" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it denotes an action or measure taken to advance or progress in a particular situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

53%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a further step" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote progress or advancement. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While versatile, overuse should be avoided by incorporating synonyms like "an additional measure" or "a subsequent action". Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication. Remember to consider the register of your writing and maintain consistency for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional measure

Replaces "step" with "measure", emphasizing the action taken as a specific action rather than a general stage.

a subsequent action

Focuses on the sequential nature of the step, highlighting that it follows something else.

an ensuing phase

Replaces "step" with "phase", suggesting a more defined stage within a larger process.

a progressive move

Emphasizes the forward-moving aspect of the step, highlighting advancement or development.

a continued advancement

Highlights the ongoing nature of the progress, suggesting that it builds upon previous achievements.

a next stage

Simplifies the expression by using "stage", indicating a clear transition point in a sequence.

an added component

Focuses on the contribution the step makes to a larger whole, emphasizing its role as part of a system.

a resulting development

Implies that the step leads to a new outcome or evolution, highlighting its impact.

a follow-up procedure

Specifically suggests that this step is a planned action that comes after an initial one, typically in a formal context.

an increased effort

Focuses on the amount of exertion involved in the step, emphasizing the dedication or work required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a further step" to indicate progression or advancement. For example, "The company's new policy is "a further step" towards improving employee satisfaction."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a further step"?

Similar phrases include "an additional measure", "a subsequent action", and "a progressive move". All of them indicate advancement in some way.

Is it better to say "a further step" or "another step"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a further step" often implies a more significant or impactful advancement than "another step", which can simply mean one more action in a sequence.

When should I avoid using the phrase "a further step"?

Avoid using "a further step" when the action is not actually advancing a goal or process. Ensure the context clearly shows improvement or progression; otherwise, a more neutral phrase might be more appropriate.