a notable step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a notable step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an important or significant action taken towards a goal or improvement. Example: "The company took a notable step in reducing its carbon footprint by implementing new sustainability practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The open-source-like approach may not revolutionise the biotech industry, but it is a notable step in a new direction.

The Economist

In deciding to raise interest rates, it will be doing more than simply lifting its foot from the financial-stimulus accelerator; it will also be taking a notable step toward the multiyear normalisation of its overall policy stance.

The Guardian - Business

The camera is one thing that has suffered at the hands of the aggressive pricing of previous Nexus smartphones, but thankfully the Nexus 5's camera is a notable step up.

The Guardian - Tech

A notable step in that process happened Saturday when the Marine Corps handed over security duties in Anbar Province, once a cradle of the insurgency, to United States Army soldiers.

The New York Times

Making the price cut permanent, and adding dozens of Wi-Fi hotspots allowing people to use their own smartphones, tablets and laptops at state centers instead of antiquated government computers, would be a notable step in making online life easier in one of the world's least-connected countries.

The Guardian

But considering that Durant fairly recently bordered on being a defensive liability, his progression over the last year (and particularly over the last six months) marks a notable step forward for his individual game, and a giant leap toward the eventual unseating of LeBron James as the N.B.A.'s best player.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But several health care experts said that a more notable step would be to combine the Bush and Gore proposals.

The New York Times

A public statement��by you would not only reinforce Scotland's commitment to uphold universal human rights and Commonwealth values; it would also represent a specific and notable step forward in the defence of the human rights of LGBTI athletes and citizens across the Commonwealth.

Independent

The move is a small but notable step in the bid to bring the nascent technology into the Hollywood mainstream.

Los Angeles Times

It began a habit of obtaining double yellows rather than straight reds and his consequent suspension paved the way for a notable debut: step forward Jonathan Woodgate.

The Guardian - Sport

But despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth, not least among Social Democratic left-wingers, it does look like a notable first step in the right direction.For one thing, the new finance minister, Hans Eichel, could not have made a better start at clearing up the mess left by his spendthrift, leftist predecessor, Oskar Lafontaine, who stomped off the job in March.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a notable step" to emphasize the importance of a particular action in achieving a broader objective or goal. It works well when you want to highlight progress or a significant change.

Common error

Avoid using "a notable step" in very casual or informal conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "good job" or "nice progress" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a notable step" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a verb, describing an action or event that is significant or worthy of attention. Ludwig's examples show it being used to denote progress or advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a notable step" is a phrase used to highlight significant progress or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize the importance of a specific advancement or development. When writing, consider using synonyms like "a significant move" or "a considerable advancement" to add variety and avoid overuse in informal contexts. Remembering these insights will help you leverage this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant move

Emphasizes the importance of the action taken.

a noteworthy development

Highlights the new or evolving nature of the situation.

a considerable advancement

Focuses on the progress made.

an important progression

Stresses the sequential and forward-moving aspect.

a substantial leap

Implies a large and impactful change.

a marked improvement

Highlights the positive change that has occurred.

a visible upgrade

Focuses on the observable enhancement.

a key initiative

Emphasizes the proactive and strategic nature of the action.

a crucial undertaking

Highlights the seriousness and necessity of the endeavor.

a momentous occasion

Emphasizes the historical significance of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "a notable step" to highlight a significant action or advancement. For example, "Implementing the new software was "a notable step" toward improving efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "a notable step"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant move", "a noteworthy development", or "a considerable advancement" depending on the specific context.

Is "a notable step" formal or informal?

"A notable step" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts, but may sound somewhat stilted in very casual conversations.

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

"A notable step" implies a significant advancement or change, while "a small step" suggests a minor or incremental improvement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the action you're describing.