a large step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a large step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial action, change, or progress in various contexts. Example: "Implementing the new policy was a large step towards improving workplace efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Symphonie Fantastique" was a large step.

The New Yorker

It has taken a large step backward.

The Washington Post

The SEA represented a large step toward that goal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To move from IT management into a restaurant business is quite a large step to take.

The Washington Post

And Vaughn, the 6-foot-4 starting center, has taken a large step forward, too.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not a large step from there to a host of economically important applications.

The New York Times

Today, hopefully, they each take a large step towards ending their ordeals for good.

Independent

But this would be a large step in a different direction.

The New York Times

Just one month after signing most significant education law in 30 years, the president's budget takes a large step backward.

The New York Times

As rumors of arrests circulated in Vancouver, Premier Dosanjh said charges would be a large step for Canadian justice.

The New York Times

But Mustafina was unable to keep the pressure on, making several bobbles and taking a large step on the landing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a large step", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude and nature of the progress or change being described. Using more specific language can enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a large step" when the progress is incremental or minor. Overstating the significance can undermine your credibility. Ensure the context warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a large step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes a significant or substantial action, change, or progress. Its meaning is clear and its usage is common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a large step" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote significant progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and business domains. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to communicate substantial changes or improvements. While its register is generally neutral to professional, it's important to ensure its usage aligns with the actual magnitude of progress to avoid overstatement. Semantically related alternatives include "a significant advance" and "a major leap", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. With a high frequency of occurrence and authoritative sources backing its usage, "a large step" remains a reliable and effective expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advance

Emphasizes the degree of progress achieved.

a major leap

Suggests a sudden and substantial improvement or change.

a considerable stride

Highlights the distance covered in progress.

a substantial development

Focuses on the growth or evolution of something.

a notable advancement

Emphasizes the quality and recognizability of the progress.

a marked improvement

Points out the positive change that has occurred.

a gigantic stride

Emphasizes the impressiveness of the advancement.

a key milestone

Focuses on the importance of the event as a marker of progress.

a breakthrough achievement

Suggests an overcoming of obstacles and a significant success.

a transformative change

Highlights the revolutionary impact of the alteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a large step" to describe significant progress or advancement in various contexts. For example: "The new policy represents a large step toward environmental sustainability."

What can I say instead of "a large step"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advance", "a major leap", or "a considerable stride" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "a large step" or "a big step"?

Both "a large step" and "a big step" are correct and commonly used. "A large step" might sound slightly more formal, while "a big step" is more informal.

What's the difference between "a large step" and "a small step"?

"A large step" implies a significant advancement or change, while "a small step" suggests minor progress. The choice depends on the magnitude of the progress being described.