a larger step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a larger step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing progress, actions, or changes that are more significant or substantial than previous ones. Example: "To achieve our goals, we need to take a larger step towards sustainability in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The pas de bourrée ("bourrée step") has been variously elaborated; it is usually a small, quick step executed in preparation for a larger step.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Mr. O'Mullan said such battles show there is "room for a larger step" in cleaning up water pollution, he views the new standard with some optimism.

The New York Times

On a visit in 2011, Biden quoted his father saying, "There's no sense dying on a small cross" — to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a larger step toward peace in the Middle East.

The New Yorker

But in illustrating how hard it is to administer capital punishment even-handedly, his case provides an opportunity for the state to take a larger step toward justice by abolishing the death penalty.

The New York Times

The question is, is a small step better than a larger step?" When it set out to create the new system last year, Nasdaq hoped to give investors a central place to post orders for stocks that would be visible to all participants.

The New York Times

Also, we see that a larger step size will increase the mean of the weight vector.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Note and Vote" can be used as a part of a larger, step-by-step process.

WikiHow

"Symphonie Fantastique" was a large step.

The New Yorker

The SEA represented a large step toward that goal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"To go from a theoretical idea to production is a large step," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a larger step" when you want to emphasize a more significant or impactful action compared to previous efforts. It is suitable when discussing progress, change, or advancements.

Common error

Avoid using "a larger step" when describing minor adjustments or trivial changes. This phrase implies a substantial difference, so reserve it for scenarios where the difference is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a larger step" functions as a noun phrase, where 'larger' modifies 'step'. It typically acts as an object or complement within a sentence, describing the magnitude of an action or change. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a larger step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant action, advancement, or change. It effectively communicates that something is more substantial compared to what preceded it. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears across diverse contexts, including science, news, and general communication. Although versatile, it is most impactful when employed to describe a difference or progress that's genuinely noteworthy. Remember to consider the scale of the action you're describing to ensure the phrase's appropriate application. Alternatives like ""a significant advancement"" or ""a major breakthrough"" may be suitable substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the importance of the progress made; more formal.

an important development

Highlights the evolution or unfolding of something significant.

a substantial leap

Uses 'leap' to convey a more dramatic or rapid advancement.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

a bigger stride

Replaces 'step' with 'stride', suggesting a confident and energetic movement forward.

a progressive measure

Suggests an action that leads to positive change or improvement, often in a policy context.

a more ambitious move

Focuses on the intent or strategy behind the action, implying a bold decision.

a forward surge

Uses 'surge' to indicate a powerful and sudden movement ahead.

a quantum shift

Implies a fundamental change or transformation, going beyond a simple step.

a decisive action

Emphasizes the determination and impact of the action taken.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a larger step" into a sentence?

You can use "a larger step" to describe actions or changes that are more significant than previous ones. For instance, "The company is taking "a larger step" towards sustainability by investing in renewable energy".

What phrases can I use instead of "a larger step"?

Alternatives to "a larger step" include phrases like "a significant advancement", "a major breakthrough", or "a substantial leap", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a larger step forward"?

Yes, "a larger step forward" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the forward direction of the advancement. You could also simply use ""a larger step"", as the forward direction is often implied.

What distinguishes "a larger step" from "a small step"?

"A larger step" indicates a significant change or advancement, while "a small step" suggests a minor or incremental change. The choice between the two depends on the magnitude of the action being described.