a good step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a positive action that is being taken. For example: "The new policy is a good step forward in creating a more equitable workplace environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tonight was a good step".

The New York Times - Sports

She's taken a good step forward.

The New Yorker

That was a good step.

The New York Times - Food

It was a good step.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a good step".

The New York Times

It's a good step for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a good step," Gilbert said.

The New York Times

Expanding NATO is a good step.

The New York Times

That would be a good step".

The Guardian

But this was a good step".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a good step," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good step" to positively frame an action or decision, even if it's part of a larger process with more steps to come. It acknowledges progress without overstating the finality of the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "a good step" when the action is clearly insufficient or tokenistic. Ensure the step genuinely contributes to the overall goal to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good step" functions as a noun phrase that describes an action or event. It serves as a subject complement or appositive, providing additional information or evaluation of the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote a positive action or measure taken toward a specific goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a good step" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a positive action or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It signifies progress and is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While its register is neutral, careful usage is advised to avoid overstating the actual impact of the action being described. Alternatives like ""a positive move"" or ""a step in the right direction"" may provide nuanced meaning depending on the specific situation. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively use "a good step" to convey optimism and acknowledge progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step in the right direction

Adds specificity by indicating that the step is aligned with a desired goal.

a positive move

Replaces "step" with "move", emphasizing the direction of the action.

an important advance

Replaces "step" with "advance", suggesting significant progress.

a favorable development

Substitutes "step" with "development", highlighting the outcome of the action.

a significant improvement

Focuses on the positive change resulting from the action.

a promising start

Emphasizes the beginning of a positive trend or action.

an encouraging sign

Focuses on the indication of future success or improvement.

a constructive measure

Emphasizes the helpful and productive nature of the action.

a valuable contribution

Highlights the beneficial aspect of the action or step taken.

a worthwhile endeavor

Highlights the value and effort put into the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good step" to describe an action that is moving things in a positive direction. For example, "The new policy is "a good step" towards improving employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "a good step"?

Some alternatives include "a positive move", "a step in the right direction", or "a promising start", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a good step"?

It's appropriate when referring to a specific action or decision that is perceived as beneficial and contributes positively to a larger goal or process.

What's the difference between "a good step" and "a great leap"?

"A good step" implies gradual progress, while "a great leap" suggests a significant, transformative advancement. Use "a good step" when acknowledging smaller, incremental improvements, and "a great leap" when describing substantial breakthroughs.