a progressive step

USAGE SUMMARY

"a progressive step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a step or action that is forward-thinking, innovative, and promotes progress or positive change. Example: "The new government policy to increase funding for renewable energy sources is considered a progressive step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

And this, it seems, was a progressive step for Edgar.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politically unpopular, it nevertheless would help control spiraling health care costs, and, despite union objections, was a progressive step).

The New York Times

A charter that built on existing protections and enjoyed popular and political support – something the Human Rights Act has never had – would be a progressive step.

The Guardian

Why did he feel such a system would be a progressive step beyond the current tax system in the United States?

The New York Times

The reforms are not perfect – the mayors remain too weak and few in number – and nor are they the panacea to our political problems, but they are a progressive step.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the executive action by the Obama Administration is a progressive step forward on correctional education, especially given that legislation like the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act which would eliminate the provision in the crime bill barring prisoners in state or federal institutions from Pell Grant eligibility remains stalled in Congress.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This is a very progressive step towards employee involvement and transparency around the activities and decisions made at RemCo.

The Guardian

A modern, progressive step forward for the country is how Mr Blair described the civil partnership legislation at his press conference.

The Guardian

She can rely on his expertise and advice to take a bold, progressive step and can blame him if it goes wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it seems counterintuitive, this would be a more progressive step forward for our higher education system than blanket opposition to funding cuts.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking after a session on harnessing data to drive citizen engagement, Bhardwaj said: "David Cameron has taken a very progressive step and I hope open data, which has now meant openness for the government, will also imply there will be greater openness and transparency in the functioning of the private sector".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a progressive step", ensure the context clearly indicates what area is being progressed and why the step is considered progressive. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a progressive step" in contexts where the progress isn't clearly defined or measurable. Vague usage can weaken your argument and leave readers unsure of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a progressive step" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes an action, decision or initiative that is considered advanced or forward-thinking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a progressive step" is a noun phrase used to describe actions or decisions that promote advancement and improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and typically carries a positive connotation. While the phrase appears across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. Alternatives such as "a forward-thinking measure" or "a positive development" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning. When using "a progressive step", ensure the context clearly indicates the area of progress to avoid vagueness and maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A forward-thinking measure

Emphasizes the innovative and future-oriented nature of the action.

A positive development

Highlights the favorable and beneficial outcome of the action.

An advancement

Focuses on the improvement and progress achieved.

A step in the right direction

Indicates that the action is moving towards a desired goal or outcome.

A constructive action

Stresses the positive and helpful nature of the action.

A move forward

Simple and direct way to indicate progress.

A beneficial change

Highlights the positive impact and improvement resulting from the change.

A transformative action

Emphasizes the significant and profound impact of the action.

An innovative approach

Focuses on the novelty and creativity of the method.

An ameliorative measure

Indicates an action taken to improve or alleviate a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a progressive step" to describe an action or policy that leads to improvement or advancement. For example, "Implementing renewable energy is "a progressive step" towards environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a progressive step"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a forward-thinking measure", "a positive development", or "a step in the right direction" depending on the specific context.

Is "progressive step forward" redundant?

While "progressive step" already implies forward movement, adding "forward" can sometimes emphasize the direction of progress. However, it's often unnecessary and can make the phrase sound repetitive.

What makes something considered "a progressive step"?

A "progressive step" typically involves an action or change that is innovative, forward-thinking, and leads to positive social, economic, or environmental outcomes. It often challenges traditional norms and promotes advancement.