a promising step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a promising step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that shows potential for positive progress or improvement in a particular situation. Example: "The new policy introduced by the government is seen as a promising step forward in addressing climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But it's a promising step forward.

The New York Times

"This is a promising step forward, though hard work and hard choices remain ahead," Obama said.

The Guardian

"This is a promising step forward, though hard work and hard choices remain ahead," the President said in a statement.

Independent

Obama welcomed the selection of a new prime minister by Iraq's president Faud Massoum on Monday, describing it as a "promising step forward" toward a more inclusive government.

The Guardian

President Barack Obama welcomed the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks that started in Washington on Monday as a "promising step forward" but warned that "hard choices" lie ahead.

Independent

Findings of this research in comparison to the linear results are a promising step forward in designing of reliable composite joints.

Composite Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The US scientists, including experts from the military, say their results mark a further promising step forward in the search for a jab against the Zika virus.

BBC

By bringing AIDS, TB, malaria, maternal, neonatal and child health, nutrition, and neglected tropical diseases into one strategic approach, President Obama's Global Health Initiative presents an immensely promising step forward.

HuffPost

All in all, tendon tissue engineering has now excellent foundations and enters the period of precision and translation to models with clinical relevance and we think undoubtedly it will remain the most promising step forward for better treatment of tendon injuries.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

The astronomers regarded this feat as a promising first step forward in their project to use the coronagraph to block the light from stars and search for planets that would otherwise be lost in the glare.

The New York Times - Science

The work by Li et al. [ 1] published in BMC Bioinformatics represents a promising evolutionary step forward in this area.

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by employing synonyms or alternative expressions to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Common error

Don't treat "a promising step forward" as a guarantee of success. It merely indicates potential for improvement, not assured achievement. Clearly acknowledge potential challenges or uncertainties that may lie ahead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a promising step forward" functions as an appraisal, expressing a positive evaluation of progress. It highlights potential for future success based on current actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a promising step forward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an action or decision showing potential for positive progress. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While it conveys optimism, it's important to avoid treating it as a guarantee of success and to acknowledge potential challenges. Consider alternatives like "a hopeful advancement" or "a positive development" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hopeful advancement

Replaces 'promising step' with a more general term for positive change. It emphasizes the anticipation of good outcomes.

a positive development

Focuses on the positivity of the change, highlighting that the direction is favorable.

a significant milestone

Emphasizes the importance of the step in achieving a larger goal.

a noteworthy improvement

Highlights the enhancement or betterment resulting from the action.

a welcome progression

Indicates that the advancement is desired and appreciated.

an encouraging sign

Focuses on the indication of future success or positive outcomes.

a favorable turn

Suggests a change in circumstances that is advantageous.

a constructive move

Highlights the practical and beneficial nature of the action.

a substantial upgrade

Emphasizes the significant enhancement or advancement achieved.

a ground breaking advance

Emphasizes the innovative or revolutionary nature of the advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "a promising step forward" in a sentence?

Use "a promising step forward" to describe an action or event that indicates positive progress toward a specific goal. For example, "The new treatment is "a promising step forward" in the fight against cancer".

What are some alternatives to "a promising step forward"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a hopeful advancement", "a positive development", or "an encouraging sign".

Is it correct to say "promising step backwards"?

While grammatically correct, "promising step backwards" creates an oxymoron. If you intend to describe a setback with potential long-term benefits, consider rephrasing for clarity, such as "a necessary retreat for future gains".

When is it appropriate to use "a promising step forward"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight that a particular action or event is likely to lead to positive future developments. It's best used when there's evidence to support the claim that the step is indeed promising, rather than mere wishful thinking.