a radical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a radical step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or drastic action taken to address a situation or problem. Example: "The company decided to take a radical step by completely overhauling its business model to adapt to changing market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nonetheless, for corporate America, that could be a radical step.

The New York Times - Magazine

That would be a radical step, but not irrational.

The New York Times

Some economists call  for a radical step: huge debt relief.

The New York Times

Such official acknowledgement of the shared legacy of ordinary farmland seems a radical step.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is far from clear that Italians would endorse such a radical step.

The Guardian

Arizona is not the only state taking such a radical step.

The New York Times - Arts

The law and the facts do not support such a radical step.

The New York Times

demanded, Iceland's politicians took a radical step: they put austerity to a vote.

The New York Times

This is not so revolutionary, but for some people it really does seem to be a radical step.

The New York Times - Food

Before we take a radical step into Asia, we should be sure that we're not making that mistake again.

The New Yorker

Turrell, Irwin, and Wheeler took sensuous appearance a radical step further, eliminating objects in favor of ambiences.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience's perception; "a radical step" can be seen as either progressive or disruptive. Tailor your language to manage expectations and address potential concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "a radical step" to describe changes that are merely incremental or slightly innovative. Save the phrase for truly transformative actions to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a radical step" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It refers to an action or decision that is significantly different from the norm, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a radical step" is a commonly used phrase that describes a significant or drastic action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, scientific and formal business contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, its appropriateness depends heavily on the context and the severity of the action being described. When considering alternatives, options such as "a drastic measure" or "a bold move" may be suitable substitutes depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a drastic measure

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the action.

a bold move

Highlights the courage and risk involved in the action.

a revolutionary change

Focuses on the transformative and innovative nature of the action.

a game-changing decision

Suggests the action will significantly alter the landscape or outcome.

a fundamental shift

Indicates a deep and structural alteration.

a transformative action

Highlights the action's ability to cause a major change in form or appearance.

an extreme measure

Emphasizes the severity and intensity of the action taken.

a decisive action

Highlights the importance and conclusiveness of the action.

an unprecedented move

Stresses the uniqueness and novelty of the action.

an innovative approach

Emphasizes the novelty and creativity of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a radical step" to describe a significant or drastic action taken. For example, "The company took "a radical step" by outsourcing its entire production process."

What are some alternatives to "a radical step"?

Alternatives include "a drastic measure", "a bold move", or "a revolutionary change", depending on the context.

What does it mean to take "a radical step"?

To take "a radical step" means to make a significant and often unexpected change or decision that is different from what is typically done. This usually implies a departure from conventional methods.

Is "a radical step" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While "a radical step" can lead to positive outcomes, it can also be risky and have unintended negative consequences. The context and potential impacts must be considered.