a good few steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good few steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a significant but not excessive number of steps, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "After taking a good few steps down the path, I realized I had forgotten my backpack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Spring Breakers is a good few steps removed from reality.

The Guardian - Film

Like John Banville in The Book of Evidence, Patrick McCabe has given us a shockingly intimate portrait of a mind out of kilter, but in the company of Francie Brady he guides us a good few steps further into hell.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Step 3. Dump all your skunk into the goop and let it simmer for a good few hours.

Vice

Tell him he's a good boy then take a few steps backward as you wave a treat in front of his face.

Huffington Post

This would be a good time to take a few steps back if you are close to the track, because the train comes in at a high speed.

WikiHow

MR: That's a good point, they sort of took a few steps forward from what was R&B to establish "The Motown Sound".

Huffington Post

These synthetic procedures highlight how complex foldamers can be synthesized in a few steps in good yield.

ChemBioChem

Prince gave Jess some good advice, and then took it a few steps further.

Huffington Post

Good for events, but pick and choose a few steps for daily wear.

WikiHow

They take a few steps, still undecided, then walk toward the door and leave for good.

Vice

A few steps upstream.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good few steps" when you want to indicate a moderate amount of progress or distance, suggesting more than just a couple but not an excessive amount. It is suitable for describing both physical movement and abstract advancements.

Common error

While "a good few steps" is generally acceptable, it can sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. In those cases, consider using more precise or elevated language like "several steps" or "a considerable distance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good few steps" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a moderate quantity or degree. It often describes a physical distance covered or a level of progress achieved. Ludwig confirms this usage in its examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good few steps" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a moderate amount of progress or distance. While Ludwig highlights its acceptability across various contexts, it's best suited for neutral to slightly informal writing. More formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "several steps" or "considerable progress". Ludwig AI indicates it's frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, showcasing its versatility in describing both physical and abstract advancements. Use it to add a touch of relatable quantification to your writing, but be mindful of your audience and the overall tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several paces

This alternative emphasizes a specific number of steps or distance covered.

considerable distance

This alternative shifts the focus to the length of the separation.

some strides

This uses a synonym for steps, indicating movement forward.

a fair distance

Changes the emphasis from individual steps to the overall extent of travel.

a decent interval

Moves away from physical steps to a more general notion of separation in space or time.

a respectable margin

This alternative conveys a safe or noteworthy distance.

a noteworthy gap

Focuses on the perceived difference between two points.

significant progress

This alternative suggests meaningful advancement or improvement.

marked advancement

Similar to significant progress, but implies a more noticeable level of change.

substantial headway

Focuses on forward movement, often in the context of achieving a goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good few steps" to describe physical movement, as in "After "a good few steps", she paused to catch her breath", or to describe progress, as in "The project has made "a good few steps" toward completion".

What's a more formal way to say "a good few steps"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "several steps", "a considerable distance", or "significant progress" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a good few steps" in academic writing?

While generally understandable, "a good few steps" may be perceived as slightly informal for academic writing. Alternatives like "several stages" or "notable advancements" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a few steps" and "a good few steps"?

"A few steps" simply indicates a small number of steps, while ""a good few steps"" suggests a somewhat larger, more significant number of steps, implying more substantial movement or progress.