a landmark step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a landmark step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important action or decision that marks a notable achievement or change. Example: "The new policy represents a landmark step towards improving environmental sustainability in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"The imposition of sentence is a landmark step in holding Mr. Bruno accountable for his crimes," Mr. Hartunian said.

The New York Times

"Nonetheless, this study is a landmark step in devising effective screening for ovarian cancer which is often portrayed as a silent killer," he said.

The Guardian

However, Bob Dudley, BP chief executive, said the legal settlement – which represents the largest environmental fine in US history – was a "landmark step forward for all parties".

The Guardian - Business

Sixty four of the 150 new representatives in the national assembly are women, a development cited as a landmark step towards gender equality.

The Guardian

The tender, the largest of its kind, is a landmark step in British efforts to develop wave and tidal stream technology, helping to meet climate-change targets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Independent

Over the past couple of days, Saudi representatives have been on BBC's Newsnight, CNN's Amanpour and other outlets billing this as a landmark step in the right direction, sanctioned by no less a person than the king himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Washington "welcomes this landmark step to limit the capacity of drug dealers, terrorists, organized criminals and corrupt foreign officials to launder their ill-gotten gains through safe havens," Mr. Summers said.

The New York Times

Congratulations America for finally catching up to the modern era with this landmark step forward for gay and lesbian rights.

Huffington Post

"This landmark step empowers people around the globe to meaningfully contribute to this important scientific endeavor and work towards answering the ultimate question, 'are we alone?'".

Huffington Post

Yesterday's 'office of the future' Jump to media player BBC Rewind takes a journey through some of the landmark steps in the evolution of office equipment.

BBC

In the space of a year, President Trump has set about reversing the landmark steps toward normalization with Cuba that President Barack Obama had set in motion.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a landmark step", ensure the context clearly establishes the importance and positive impact of the action being described. Provide specific details to underscore its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a landmark step" for minor or incremental changes. Reserve this phrase for actions that represent substantial progress or a significant shift in direction to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a landmark step" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object complement, describing a particular action or event as being significantly progressive or important. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a term used to positively describe a significant action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a landmark step" is a phrase used to describe a significant advancement or turning point, suitable for formal and professional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It appears frequently in news, media, formal business, and scientific contexts, highlighting important progress. When using this phrase, ensure that the context justifies its significance and avoid using it for minor changes. Related phrases include "a significant milestone", "a pivotal advancement", and "a watershed moment", which may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remembering to use "a landmark step" appropriately will improve your written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant milestone

Substitutes "step" with "milestone", highlighting a key point in progress, and replaces "landmark" with "significant", emphasizing importance.

a pivotal advancement

Replaces "step" with "advancement" suggesting a forward movement, and "landmark" with "pivotal" implying critical importance.

a watershed moment

Emphasizes a turning point, suggesting a dramatic shift or change in direction rather than a simple step.

a noteworthy breakthrough

Focuses on the element of discovery and overcoming obstacles that the step represents.

a groundbreaking development

Focuses on the innovative and pioneering nature of the step, implying it's original and impactful.

a historic turning point

Implies the step is not only important but also marks a significant moment in history.

a monumental achievement

Elevates the significance of the step to an achievement of great scale and importance.

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the decisiveness and importance of the step as a point where significant decisions are made.

a transformative initiative

Highlights the potential for widespread and fundamental change resulting from the step.

a game-changing innovation

Suggests the step is disruptive and will alter the existing landscape significantly.

FAQs

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

Use "a landmark step" to describe an action or event that represents significant progress or a major turning point. For example, "The new legislation is "a landmark step" towards environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to "a landmark step"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant milestone", "a pivotal advancement", or "a watershed moment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a landmark step" in formal writing?

Yes, "a landmark step" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing significant achievements or progress in areas such as policy, science, or business. The phrase is widely used in news and media, academic and formal business contexts.

What distinguishes "a landmark step" from "a major step"?

"A major step" indicates a significant advancement, while ""a landmark step"" suggests a turning point or a development that sets a new precedent. The latter implies more historical importance and broader impact.