a paramount step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paramount step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a particular action or decision in a process or plan. Example: "Implementing this new policy is a paramount step towards improving workplace safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The collection and analysis of relevant data and information is the first and a paramount step to detect and monitor critical indicators to prevent or mitigate catastrophic failures.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Noise reduction is a paramount preliminary step in many computer vision applications in which the presence of undesired noise can distort the results.

Applied Soft Computing

I think installing public charging stations and ensuring that they provide an open and seamless experience for the user is a paramount first step.

Huffington Post

Accurate localisation of the Christmas spirit is a paramount first step in being able to help this group of patients.

British Medical Journal

Transcription is a paramount early step in CRISPR-mediated resistance against plasmids and phage, but the transcription of CRISPR loci does not necessarily indicate CRISPR-mediated resistance.

BMC Genomics

Understanding sex determination mechanisms is the first and most paramount step in the development of sex control breeding biotechnologies for fish.

Aquaculture

Secrecy is a paramount concern.

The New York Times

Security remains a paramount concern.

The New York Times - Sports

"So safety became a paramount issue".

The New York Times

The budget obviously is a paramount consideration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Security has become a paramount issue.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a paramount step" to highlight an action that is not only important but also fundamentally necessary for success. Reserve this phrase for situations where the outcome heavily depends on this particular action.

Common error

Avoid using "a paramount step" too frequently in your writing, as it can dilute its impact. Use it sparingly for the most critical actions only. Overuse diminishes the emphasis you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paramount step" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular action or stage as being of utmost importance. Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is used to highlight critical actions that are essential for achieving a specific goal. The word "paramount" emphasizes the supreme importance of this step.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paramount step" is a phrase used to emphasize the critical importance of a specific action or stage within a process. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and is primarily found in scientific, news, and formal contexts. While the phrase isn't very frequent, its use is consistent in highlighting actions of utmost necessity for achieving desired outcomes. Alternatives such as "a crucial step" or "an essential step" can be used to avoid overuse and maintain impact. When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects the indispensable nature of the action in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial stage

Replaces 'step' with 'stage', emphasizing a point in a process.

an essential measure

Substitutes 'step' with 'measure', framing it as an action taken.

a vital action

Replaces 'step' with 'action', highlighting the agency involved.

a critical move

Uses 'move' instead of 'step', implying a strategic decision.

an indispensable phase

Replaces 'step' with 'phase', highlighting a distinct period.

a key element

Focuses on the 'step' as a fundamental component.

a fundamental requirement

Emphasizes the necessity of the 'step'.

a central component

Highlights the 'step' as a core part of a larger system.

a decisive undertaking

Replaces 'step' with a more involved 'undertaking'.

a significant endeavor

Emphasizes effort and intention of the 'step'.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a paramount step" in a sentence?

Use "a paramount step" to emphasize the critical nature of a specific action or decision within a process. For example: "Implementing this new security protocol is "a paramount step" towards safeguarding sensitive data".

What are some alternatives to using "a paramount step"?

You can use alternatives like "a crucial step", "an essential step", or "a critical move" depending on the context.

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

While "the paramount step" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""a paramount step"" is more common when referring to one of many steps, emphasizing its relative importance. "The paramount step" would imply it's the single most important step of all.

When is it appropriate to use "a paramount step" versus "an important step"?

"A paramount step" should be used when the step is absolutely essential and of the highest importance. "An important step" is suitable for steps that are significant but not necessarily the most critical.