a modest step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is a modest step forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

He says Hunt's proposals represent a modest step forward.

The Guardian

The Senate bill, though weaker than computer users deserve, would be a modest step forward.

The New York Times

Since the worst human rights abuses are often by local authorities, that would be a modest step forward.

The New York Times

While American Jewish leaders characterized Mr. Rouhani's remarks as a modest step forward, they remained deeply skeptical of Iran's intentions and its readiness to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

The New York Times

Senator Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for president, called the deal "a modest step forward" in dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Unofficial translations suggest that this law is only a modest step forwards.

The Economist

Durban may yield some modest steps forward.

Huffington Post

So, despite these modest steps forward the question still remains, shall we choose comprehensive immigration reform and inclusion, or an expanded mega-deportation system?

Huffington Post

New START is a modest step.

Huffington Post

"The Doha package represents a modest but important step forward," said Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action, according to news reports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a modest step forward" when you want to acknowledge progress without exaggerating its significance. It's particularly useful in contexts where expectations are high, and actual advancements are incremental.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest step forward" when the progress is actually substantial. Using it in such cases can undermine the real impact of the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It describes something, an action or event, considered as a positive, albeit small, increment. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest step forward" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing incremental progress. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and suitable for various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, business, and science-related sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. While acknowledging progress, it also implies that further effort is needed. Alternative phrases, such as "a slight advancement" or "a small improvement", can be used to convey similar meanings. The phrase is best used when accurately reflecting incremental progress and avoided when progress is actually substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight advancement

Replaces "step forward" with a more general term for progress and "modest" with "slight", indicating a small degree of improvement.

a small improvement

Substitutes "step forward" with "improvement", focusing on the positive change, and "modest" with "small", emphasizing the size of the improvement.

a marginal gain

Replaces "step forward" with "gain", suggesting an advantage obtained, and "modest" with "marginal", highlighting the limited impact.

a limited advance

Uses "advance" instead of "step forward" and "limited" instead of "modest" to convey a restricted degree of progress.

an incremental development

Replaces the original phrase with terms that highlight gradual growth or unfolding.

a gentle progression

Emphasizes the smooth and unhurried nature of the advance.

a measured advance

Stresses the careful and controlled nature of the progress.

a cautious move ahead

Highlights the careful and circumspect nature of the progress.

a tentative stride

Suggests the progress is experimental or uncertain, lacking confidence.

a baby step

Implies a very small, often initial, stage in a longer process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest step forward" to describe incremental progress. For example: "The new policy represents "a modest step forward" in our efforts to promote sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "a modest step forward"?

Alternatives include "a slight advancement", "a small improvement", or "a marginal gain", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a modest step forward" positive or negative?

"A modest step forward" is generally positive, as it acknowledges progress. However, it also implies that further action is needed, suggesting that the current achievement is not sufficient on its own.

When should I avoid using "a modest step forward"?

Avoid using "a modest step forward" when the progress is substantial and significant, as it can downplay the real impact of the achievement. In such cases, use phrases like "a significant advance" or "a major breakthrough".