a progression of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a progression of steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a series of actions or stages that lead to a particular outcome or goal. Example: "To achieve the desired results, we must follow a progression of steps that includes planning, execution, and evaluation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Rebuilding New Orleans is a progression of steps; an assembly process where one task must be complete before we consider the next".

The New York Times

rule book states that "racewalking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs".

The New York Times - Sports

A workflow is a machine-interpretable model of a "progression of steps (tasks, events, interactions) that comprise a work process, involve one or more persons, and create or add value to the organization's activities".

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In June 1924, Pflueger showed his plans for a $3 million skyscraper, 26 stories high, designed with continuous vertical elements and a progression of step-backs narrowing the floors near the top.

Wikipedia

For instance, Brahma Chellaney, a leading Indian strategist, eloquently describes China's ADIZ as part of a broader strategy, which relies on a "a steady progression of steps to outwit opponents and create new facts on the ground".

Huffington Post

We used a progression of filtering steps, summarized later and described more fully in the Materials and Methods.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Inspection of the transition graph (which represents the successive order of events) in m-xylene-high condition shows a progression of regulatory steps identical to the known activation itinerary of the TOL pathway i.e. both upper and XylS are expressed in response to XylR activation, followed then by activation of meta due both to 3 MBz formation and XylS hyperexpression.

BMC Systems Biology

Upon stimulation with the prototypical neutrophil chemoattractant f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF), which binds to the formyl peptide receptors FPR1, FPR2 (also known as ALX), and FPR3, neutrophils undergo a stereotyped progression of steps, over a 2 to 3 min time frame, to rearrange their cytoskeletal structures, change their shape by establishing distinct subcellular structures, and hence become polarized.

Cardiovascular Research

ACE is your protocol for career experimentation, a logical progression of steps designed to overcome common barriers and give visible results after just 10 hours.

Science Magazine

Instead of invading, the PLA has chosen to engage in a steady progression of steps to outwit opponents and create new facts on the ground, whether in the South China Sea or the Indian Himalayas.

Huffington Post

Draw on the information you gathered and trace a chronological progression of steps taken (or not taken).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex procedures, use "a progression of steps" to clearly outline the order and interdependence of each stage for better understanding.

Common error

While "a progression of steps" is useful, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "a series of actions" or "a sequence of stages" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a progression of steps" functions as a noun phrase that describes a sequence of actions or stages designed to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting its utility in outlining processes and procedures.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a progression of steps" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a series of actions or stages leading to a specific outcome. Although Ludwig indicates its correct usage, its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in news media, scientific, and wiki sources, it serves to explain processes in a structured manner. For variety, consider using alternatives like "a series of actions" or "a sequence of stages". When writing, clearly outline the order and interdependence of each stage for improved clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sequence of stages

Focuses on the ordered arrangement of distinct phases.

a series of actions

Emphasizes the active performance of multiple deeds.

a chain of events

Highlights the interconnectedness and consequential nature of occurrences.

a staged development

Suggests a planned and gradual unfolding of something.

a phased approach

Implies a systematic and incremental way of proceeding.

a step-by-step process

Highlights a careful and detailed execution of tasks one after another.

a course of action

Emphasizes a plan that includes a series of steps.

an unfolding process

Focuses on the gradual revelation and development of something over time.

a logical sequence

Emphasizes that the steps are connected in a sensible and rational order.

a cascade of events

Implies a rapid and unstoppable succession of occurrences.

FAQs

How can I use "a progression of steps" in a sentence?

You can use "a progression of steps" to describe a series of actions that lead to a specific outcome, like "Rebuilding New Orleans is "a progression of steps"; an assembly process where one task must be complete before we consider the next".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a progression of steps"?

Similar phrases include "a series of actions", "a sequence of stages", or "a step-by-step process", all indicating a sequence of actions.

Is it better to say "a progression of steps" or "a series of steps"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and interchangeable. "A progression of steps" emphasizes the ordered and developmental nature of the sequence, while "a series of steps" is a more general term.

Can "a progression of steps" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "a progression of steps" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives such as "a staged development" or "a phased approach" depending on the nuance you want to convey.