a great step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"a great step forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe a positive development or when you want to express optimism about something. For example: "This new partnership is a great step forward in the delivery of reliable healthcare services for the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "it is a great step forward.

The New York Times

"I thought it was a great step forward".

The New Yorker

"That was actually a great step forward for me.

The New York Times

That is a great step forward for our country.

The New York Times

Yet it too is a great step forward.

The Guardian

"I love it; it's a great step forward.

The Guardian - Travel

The pledges that followed COP21 are a great step forward.

Nature

"It certainly seems like a great step forward," he said.

The New York Times

"We made a great step forward," Spain's coach, Vicente del Bosque, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't get me wrong: the new law is a great step forward.

The New York Times

"We thought it is a great step forward," said Mr. Shagoo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a great step forward", clearly specify what the subject is moving forward from or towards to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a great step forward" for minor or incremental changes. Reserve it for developments that truly represent significant progress or innovation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great step forward" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subjective complement. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used, as evidenced by numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a great step forward" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression signifying significant progress or a positive development. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, especially in news and media, science, and business. While versatile, it is best employed when highlighting substantial advancements, and should be avoided for minor changes. Alternatives such as "a significant advance" or "a step in the right direction" can offer nuanced expressions of progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A step in the right direction

Indicates progress towards a desired goal.

A significant advance

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the progress.

A major leap

Suggests a substantial and transformative change.

A considerable improvement

Highlights the degree to which something has become better.

A positive development

Focuses on the favorable nature of the change.

An encouraging sign

Indicates hope and optimism about future progress.

A marked advancement

Stresses the visibility and clarity of the improvement.

An upward trend

Implies a continuous and positive direction.

A turn for the better

Suggests a shift from a negative to a positive state.

A substantial stride

Highlights the energy and determination associated with the progress.

FAQs

How can I use "a great step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "a great step forward" to describe significant progress or a positive development. For example, "The new legislation is "a great step forward" in environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a great step forward"?

Alternatives include "a significant advance", "a major leap", or "a positive development", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a great step forward"?

Use "a great step forward" when you want to emphasize that something represents substantial progress or improvement over the previous state. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Is there a difference between "a great step forward" and "a step in the right direction"?

"A great step forward" suggests a more significant advancement, while "a step in the right direction" simply indicates movement towards a desired goal, regardless of the magnitude of the progress.