a seminal step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a seminal step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or groundbreaking action or decision that has a major impact on a process or development. Example: "The introduction of the new policy was a seminal step towards achieving sustainability in our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Because chondrogenesis is a seminal step during skeletal development, elucidating the impact of Pb on this process is the first step toward understanding the mechanism of Pb toxicity in the skeleton.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A seminal finding concerning this step comes from Tfpa studies showing that not all proteins essential for pilus biogenesis are involved in filament assembly per se.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

It is a bold step in the right direction, as America faces a seminal moment in the future of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

HuffPost

Read Codependency for Dummies, by Darlene Lancer, MFT - for a thorough discussion with steps for recovery and "Codependent No More", a seminal work on the subject by Melody Beattie (or similar books).

WikiHow

It was a first, risky step, relayed to me by William Ury, co-author of a seminal book on negotiation Getting to Yes.

HuffPost

This approach involves graphically depicting the decision steps as a network map (see Chi and Koeske [1983] for a seminal example of this method).

International Journal of STEM Education

A seminal result?

The New York Times

A seminal moment?

The Guardian - Sport

Woolwich is a seminal moment.

Independent

It's a seminal issue".

The New York Times

"A seminal Fire Island moment".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a seminal step", ensure the context clearly establishes the significant and foundational impact of the action being described. This phrase is best suited for situations where the step sets a precedent or initiates a major change.

Common error

Avoid using "a seminal step" for minor or routine actions. Reserve this phrase for actions that genuinely represent a turning point or a major advancement in a particular field or process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a seminal step" functions as an adjective-noun phrase that modifies a noun (step). The adjective "seminal" emphasizes the groundbreaking or foundational nature of the step. As Ludwig suggests, it highlights the significance and potential impact of the action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a seminal step" is a phrase used to describe a groundbreaking or foundational action, suitable for formal contexts like science, news, and business. Ludwig's analysis underscores its grammatical correctness but highlights its rare usage. To improve your writing, use this phrase when you want to emphasize the profound and lasting impact of a particular action, avoiding its application to minor events. Consider alternatives like "a pivotal move" or "a groundbreaking action" to match the specific nuance of your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal move

Replaces "step" with "move" to suggest a strategic shift or action.

a groundbreaking action

Substitutes "seminal" with "groundbreaking" to highlight the innovative aspect of the action.

a transformative measure

Emphasizes the potential for significant change resulting from the step.

a landmark decision

Highlights the historical importance and precedential nature of the decision.

a critical juncture

Focuses on the step as a crucial point in time or development.

an influential development

Highlights the impact and reach of the development.

a fundamental change

Emphasizes that the step involves a basic or essential alteration.

a key advancement

Highlights the progress or improvement resulting from the step.

an essential undertaking

Suggests that the step is a necessary and important project or task.

a primary element

Focuses on the step as a basic and crucial component.

FAQs

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

You can use "a seminal step" to describe an action that is a major turning point or has a significant impact. For instance, "The adoption of renewable energy policies was a seminal step in combating climate change."

What are some alternatives to "a seminal step"?

Alternatives include "a pivotal move", "a groundbreaking action", or "a transformative measure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a seminal step" formal or informal?

"A seminal step" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or news contexts. It implies a significant and well-considered action.

What's the difference between "a seminal step" and "a major step"?

While both indicate importance, "a seminal step" suggests a foundational and influential impact, whereas "a major step" simply denotes a significant advancement without necessarily implying a lasting legacy or precedent.