a logical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a logical step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasoning, decision-making, or a sequence of actions that make sense in a given context. Example: "After analyzing the data, implementing the new strategy seemed like a logical step to improve our results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a logical step.

The Guardian

This is a logical step.

The Guardian

Paying tribute to Mr. Joel seemed like a logical step.

The New York Times

And that's a logical step too far for me.

The New York Times

A logical step forward would be a winning season.

The New York Times

Rossi, D. D. et al. Electronic textiles: a logical step.

Nature

"So competition was a logical step for me".

The New York Times

"It was not a logical step," she added.

The New York Times

Such governance is a logical step toward more economic integration.

The New York Times

Cutting costs at Sprint, analysts say, is a logical step, given the decline in business.

The New York Times - Tech

She didn't regard it as a logical step up the career ladder.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a logical step" to clearly indicate that a decision or action follows directly and sensibly from previous events or established information. This helps maintain a clear and understandable line of reasoning for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a logical step" when the connection between events isn't immediately obvious or requires significant explanation. Overusing it in complex situations can create a false sense of clarity and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a logical step" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object complement. It describes an action or decision as being a sensible or reasonable consequence of previous events or information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a logical step" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe an action or decision that is a sensible and reasonable consequence of prior events. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use across various contexts. Its usage is particularly frequent in News & Media sources, followed by Scientific and Formal/Business settings. Alternatives include phrases like "a sensible move" or "a natural progression". When using the phrase, ensure the connection between events is clear to avoid any misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensible move

Highlights the practicality and good judgment behind the action.

a reasonable course of action

Focuses on the justification and rationale behind the decision.

a sound decision

Highlights the wisdom and prudence of the choice.

a well-reasoned decision

Highlights the clear and coherent thought process behind the action.

a natural progression

Emphasizes the sequential and expected nature of the advancement.

the rational approach

Focuses on the logical and analytical basis for the action.

the next obvious action

Stresses the clarity and foreseeability of the step.

a judicious action

Emphasizes the careful consideration and good judgment involved.

a coherent strategy

Highlights the consistency and integration with previous elements.

an expected development

Indicates that the action was anticipated and aligned with expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a logical step" to describe an action or decision that follows naturally from a previous one. For example, "After securing initial funding, expanding the team was "a logical step"."

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

You can use alternatives like "a sensible move", "a natural progression", or "a reasonable course of action" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the logical step" instead of "a logical step"?

While "the logical step" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""a logical step"" is more commonly used to describe one of many potential steps. "The logical step" implies there is only one reasonable action.

What's the difference between "a logical step" and "a necessary step"?

"A logical step" implies the action follows reasonably from prior events. "A necessary step" indicates the action is essential or required to achieve a goal, even if it's not the most obvious.