a historic step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a historic step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important advancement in a particular context, such as politics, social movements, or technological developments. Example: "The new legislation represents a historic step forward in the fight for equality and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

It is a historic step forward".

The New York Times - Sports

Getting every nation to recognize that lasting prosperity comes from strong and accountable institutions was a historic step forward.

The Washington Post

President Obama called the Doma ruling a "historic step forward for marriage equality" and said he had ordered government departments to implement it as quickly as possible.

The Guardian

"The Pentagon took a historic step forward toward righting the wrong of inequality in our armed forces, but there is still more work to be done," said Chad Griffin, the president of Human Rights Campaign.

The New York Times

Even as gay rights advocates celebrated a historic step forward on Wednesday, many of them were already eyeing the next legal frontier that could deliver the universal recognition of marriage rights that eluded them this time.

The New York Times

ROME — When Pope John Paul II visited Rome's main synagogue in 1986, the first time a pope had ever entered a Jewish house of worship, it was a historic step forward in Catholic-Jewish relations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He said: "Today's announcement, making free school meals available to 1.4m more children, marks an historic step forward in the fight against child poverty.

The Guardian

Just last month, the leaders of North and South Korea made an historic step forward in peninsular relations, on both literal and figurative grounds.

The Guardian - Film

Barack Obama has taken an historic step forward in confronting climate change, asserting his power as US president to cut carbon pollution and protect future generations from catastrophic global warming.

The Guardian

– (DE) Mr President, I have voted in favour of the Commission and I am also in favour of the Framework Agreement, which represents an historic step forward.

European Parliament

Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of Stonewall, said: "As the last piece of the legislative jigsaw providing equality for gay people in Britain, this is a truly historic step forward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a historic step forward" to highlight a truly significant moment, not just a minor improvement. Reserve this phrase for changes that mark a turning point or have lasting implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a historic step forward" too frequently, as it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" to maintain a fresh and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a historic step forward" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies or describes a particular action or event as a significant advancement. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a historic step forward" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote significant progress or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and formal communications. While widely accepted, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "a significant leap" or "a major breakthrough" to maintain variety. The phrase’s high source quality and consistent application across reputable sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in conveying impactful advancements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant leap

Focuses on the magnitude of the progress, emphasizing a large and impactful change.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery or achievement that removes a barrier to progress.

a notable advancement

Emphasizes the degree to which something improved or progressed.

a considerable stride

Suggests a significant movement or development in a particular direction.

a forward surge

Emphasizes a powerful and rapid movement towards a goal or objective.

a progressive measure

Highlights the implementation of policies or actions that are intended to improve a situation or system.

an evolutionary shift

Suggests a gradual but fundamental change in the way something operates or is perceived.

a transformative development

Emphasizes the capacity for fundamental alteration of existing conditions.

a pioneering initiative

Focuses on the innovative and groundbreaking nature of an action or plan.

a benchmark achievement

Highlights the attainment of a level or standard that can be used as a reference point for future progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "a historic step forward" to describe a significant advancement or turning point. For example, "The signing of the treaty marks "a historic step forward" in international relations."

What can I say instead of "a historic step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant leap", "a major breakthrough", or "a notable advancement depending on the context.

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

Use "a historic step forward" when describing something that is not only a step forward, but also has long-lasting, significant implications that will be remembered in history.

What is the difference between "a historic step forward" and "a big step forward"?

"A historic step forward" implies greater importance and longer-term impact than "a big step forward". The former suggests something that will be remembered, while the latter simply implies significant progress.