a serious step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that carries significant weight or importance, often implying that it requires careful consideration. Example: "Deciding to move to a new city for a job is a serious step that can change your life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Losing it would be a serious step back for democracy.

The Economist

We would clearly regard [leaving Cern] as a serious step.

The Guardian

That was a serious step for the AEC to take.

The Guardian

But Apple Pay would represent a serious step forward.

The Guardian - Money

Nightingale took a serious step as a Special Forces man when he went public.

Independent

"It's a serious step forward and I am pleased to see a progressive solution was backed.

The Guardian - Business

Nevertheless, taking one out is "a serious step", says the Money Advice Service.

The Guardian - Money

"To prosecute someone for contempt of court is quite a serious step.

The Guardian

He also beat Orlando Cruz last year, but Lomachenko will represent a serious step up in his boxing career.

Independent

"Invoking of an international arbitration is a serious step in the process of dispute resolution," Mr. Kanabar said.

The New York Times

"It's a serious step," said Randall Bourscheidt, the director of the Alliance for the Arts, an advocacy group.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious step", consider the connotations. It implies caution, deliberation, and awareness of potential consequences. Choose this phrase when you want to convey the gravity of an action.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious step" for minor actions or decisions. Reserve it for situations where the implications are genuinely significant. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "step". It often acts as a subject complement, an object of a preposition, or a direct object. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples to illustrate its varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious step" is a commonly used expression to denote a significant action or decision with potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and business domains. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it should be reserved for situations genuinely warranting emphasis. Remember, substituting the phrase with alternatives like "significant move" or "crucial action" can enhance your writing's precision. Overusing the phrase may dilute its impact. In essence, understanding the subtle connotations and usage patterns of "a serious step" can significantly elevate the effectiveness of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant move

Emphasizes the importance of the action as a change or shift in direction.

a pivotal decision

Indicates that the decision is a turning point or has far-reaching consequences.

a crucial action

Stresses the critical nature and necessity of the action.

a major undertaking

Highlights the scale and complexity of the endeavor.

an important development

Focuses on the action as a notable event or stage in a process.

a consequential measure

Highlights that the action is an official act and its impact will be considerable.

a forward stride

Illustrates progression and advancement resulting from the action.

a weighty matter

Underscores the seriousness and importance of the topic or decision.

a bold initiative

Emphasizes the courage and risk involved in the action.

a game-changing event

Suggests the action dramatically alters the existing situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious step" to describe an action or decision that carries significant weight or importance, often implying that it requires careful consideration. For example: "Deciding to move to a new city for a job is "a serious step" that can change your life".

What are some alternatives to "a serious step"?

Alternatives to "a serious step" include "a significant move", "an important development", or "a crucial action" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a serious step"?

It's appropriate when describing a decision, action or event that could have a big impact. Avoid using it for everyday or trivial situations, as the phrase suggests considerable thought and potential consequences.

Is "a serious step" formal or informal?

"A serious step" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from news reports to personal essays. It is mostly seen in "news media" and "formal business".