a preliminary step

USAGE SUMMARY

"a preliminary step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or process that is necessary before something else can be done or accomplished. For example: "Setting a budget is an essential preliminary step before starting a small business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a preliminary step," Mr. Patz said on Thursday.

The New York Times

Inspections are a preliminary step in an antitrust investigation.

The New York Times

The authorization vote is only a preliminary step.

The New York Times - Sports

The Robertson recipe includes a preliminary step so self-evident that it is baffling that it hasn't always been done.

The New Yorker

It is a preliminary step in the investigative process, he said, and does not imply innocence or guilt.

The New York Times

The announcement is a preliminary step toward antitrust approval of Cingular's planned $41 billion purchase of AT&T Wireless Services.

The New York Times

Parliament's lower house took a preliminary step to remove from election ballots the option of voting "against all" candidates.

The New York Times

Interrogations led commanders to believe the incident was a preliminary step to a planned general insurrection in the region.

The New York Times

The notice of claim, filed with the comptroller's office, is a preliminary step toward lodging a civil lawsuit.

The New York Times

But privately he may think that, as a preliminary step, negotiating new borders would be more productive.

The Economist

Bettman called it a preliminary step in a possible purchase of the Sabres from their current principal owner, Thomas Golisano.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preliminary step" to clearly indicate that an action is required before further progress can be made. For example, "Conducting a market analysis is a preliminary step before launching a new product".

Common error

Avoid skipping necessary preliminary steps to save time, as this can often lead to more significant problems later. For example, neglecting to back up data before a system update can result in data loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preliminary step" functions as a noun phrase, identifying an initial action or measure taken before a larger process or activity. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preliminary step" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote an initial action or measure taken before a larger process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. This phrase is useful for clearly indicating the sequence of events and managing expectations. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize the necessity of a starting point before proceeding further.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preparatory measure

Focuses on the preparatory aspect, emphasizing the action taken to get ready.

an initial action

Highlights the commencement or beginning of a process.

a groundwork action

Emphasizes establishing a solid base or foundation.

a first move

Suggests initiating a plan or strategy.

a basic measure

Implies an essential or fundamental action.

a building block

Conveys that this step is foundational for further development.

a stepping stone

Highlights its role in advancing towards a larger goal.

a starting point

Emphasizes the beginning of a process or journey.

an opening gambit

Suggests an initial move designed to gain an advantage.

a trial run

Highlights that this is an experimental execution or a test.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preliminary step" to indicate an initial action that needs to be taken before proceeding with a larger process. For example, "Gathering data is "a preliminary step" in conducting research".

What are some alternatives to "a preliminary step"?

Alternatives to "a preliminary step" include "a preparatory measure", "an initial action", or "a groundwork action". These phrases all suggest an action taken at the beginning of a process.

Is it better to use "a preliminary step" or "a final step" when describing the beginning of a process?

"A preliminary step" refers to the beginning, while "a final step" describes the end. Using the correct term ensures clarity in communication.

What is the significance of identifying "a preliminary step" in project planning?

Identifying "a preliminary step" is crucial for structuring a project. It helps in sequencing tasks logically and ensuring that foundational work is completed before more complex stages are undertaken.