a marked step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a marked step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or progress in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a marked step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's a marked step forward in Google's quest to better monetize YouTube, but I remain unconvinced.

TechCrunch

They made a marked step forward in Malaysia but being pleased to be able to fight with the other cars at the back of the midfield is a long way from where they expect to be.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In some ways, "Lucifer" marked a step forward for Burns: a unified piece of work rather than a loose confederation of vignettes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The question is whether, despite that, it marked a step forward for free trade.

The Economist

"The Day He Arrives" marks a step forward for an artist who keeps taking steps forward.

The New Yorker

The SCAR report does not mark a step forward in that quantitative modelling.

The Economist

But Ms. McLean is confident that "Revealing Bodies" marks a step forward rather than a retreat.

The New York Times - Arts

It also marks a step forward for international justice.

The Economist

But the new deployment of advisers marks a step forward, Melnik said.

The Guardian

The move marks a step forward for the countries directly affected by Boko Haram's violence.

Independent

Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg said the move marks a "step forward" for the system of 84,000 students.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a marked step forward" to emphasize that progress is not only present but also clearly noticeable and significant. For instance, "The new educational program represents "a marked step forward" in addressing student achievement gaps."

Common error

Avoid using "a marked step forward" for minor or incremental changes. Ensure the advancement is substantial enough to warrant this phrase; otherwise, opt for a less emphatic expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a marked step forward" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object to describe or characterize a specific development, action, or policy. As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes a noticeable and significant advancement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a marked step forward" is a phrase used to describe a noticeable and significant improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears across varied sources, including News & Media and Science. While alternatives such as "a significant advancement" or "a notable improvement" exist, this phrase is best used to highlight clear and impactful progress. Be mindful not to overstate minor improvements with this phrase. It's suitable for professional and neutral registers, conveying a sense of positive change and advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the degree of progress made.

a notable improvement

Highlights the quality of the progress.

a considerable leap

Suggests a substantial change or jump forward.

a major breakthrough

Implies a significant discovery or turning point.

a great stride

Emphasizes effort and progress.

a substantial gain

Focuses on the positive outcome achieved.

an important development

Highlights the significance of the change.

a positive shift

Suggests a change in direction or attitude.

a progressive move

Highlights the forward-thinking nature of the action.

a forward surge

Implies a sudden and powerful advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a marked step forward" to describe a significant improvement or advancement. For example, "The company's new sustainability initiative represents "a marked step forward" in their commitment to environmental responsibility."

What phrases are similar to "a marked step forward"?

Alternatives include "a significant advancement", "a notable improvement", or "a considerable leap".

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

Yes, "a marked step forward" is suitable for formal writing, especially when highlighting substantial progress in a clear and impactful way.

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

"A marked step forward" indicates a considerable and easily noticeable improvement, whereas "a small step forward" implies a minor or incremental change. The choice depends on the magnitude of the progress being described.