a preparatory step

USAGE SUMMARY

'a preparatory step' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of preparing for something. For example, "We need to take a preparatory step to ensure the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The largest RAPD-PCR fragments were cloned into a vector as a preparatory step for sequencing.

Gene

This first Chinese census was intended mainly as a preparatory step toward the levy of a poll tax.

Britannica

It was developed as a preparatory step for a telemedicine-based public health care system in ophthalmology in China.

Ophthalmology

A preparatory step is to heat the washed ore (roasting, or dressing) not only to dry it but also to burn off sulfides and organic matter.

Britannica

I found that, in Express Gate mode, it took only eight seconds to boot up, as promised, but this was only a preparatory step.

The New York Times

The student duel, known as die Mensur, was an approved pedagogical exercise, a preparatory step toward the all-important duel of honor.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Our gain-and loss-of-function results reveal mitochondrial biogenesis as a critical preparatory step for induction of differentiation.

Nature

Establishing the validity of classification schemes is a crucial preparatory step that should precede multicenter studies.

Duke University

The reconciliation of semantic and structural heterogeneities in raw data is a necessary preparatory step for storing and retrieving data quickly and cost efficiently and aligning raw data from different sources so that all types of data relevant to a single analysis requirement can be combined and analyzed together.

Journal of Big Data

A PCR preparatory step was conducted for this chromosomal region (for primers and PCR amplification conditions see Supplementary Table 1).

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

As a final preparatory step, the instrument, along with explanatory face sheet and demographics page, were sent to six family medicine physicians at the three target sites in Japan, and minor changes were made based on their expertise and feedback [Additional files 5, 6, and 7].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a preparatory step", ensure the context clearly indicates what the step is preparing for. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a preparatory step" without specifying what it prepares for. For example, instead of saying "We took a preparatory step", specify "We took a preparatory step to ensure the success of the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preparatory step" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an action or measure taken in advance to prepare for a subsequent event or process. Ludwig confirms the phrase's common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

20%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a preparatory step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains, including science, news, and academia. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage, and it's typically employed to denote an action taken in anticipation of a subsequent event. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify what the preparatory step is in service of. While alternatives like "a preliminary action" or "an initial measure" exist, "a preparatory step" emphasizes the preparation aspect distinctly. Therefore, by following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively and precisely use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a preliminary action

Emphasizes the initial and often less critical nature of the step.

an initial measure

Highlights the action as a measured response to prepare for something.

a groundwork action

Focuses on laying the foundation or basis for future actions.

a precursory move

Suggests the step is an antecedent or herald of something more significant.

a paving action

Implies the step is clearing the way or making the subsequent action easier.

a readiness measure

Specifically indicates actions taken to ensure preparedness.

a setting-the-stage action

Illustrates that the step helps to create the circumstances for something else to happen.

an introductory maneuver

Highlights its role as an opening or lead-in.

a setup procedure

Conveys the idea of organizing or arranging things in advance.

a lead-in process

Focuses on the step as a preliminary stage of longer operation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a preparatory step" to describe an action taken to get ready for something else. For example: "Submitting the application is "a preparatory step" for attending the university."

What are some alternatives to "a preparatory step"?

Alternatives include "a preliminary action", "an initial measure", or "a groundwork action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "preparatory step" since 'preparatory' already implies 'step'?

While "preparatory" does imply a step, using the full phrase "a preparatory step" emphasizes the action as a distinct stage or measure in a process. It adds clarity, making it a common and acceptable usage.

What is the difference between "a preparatory step" and "a preliminary step"?

Both phrases suggest an initial action, but ""a preparatory step"" specifically implies readying for something, while "a preliminary step" suggests an early or introductory action that may not be directly focused on preparation.