a significant step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an important or meaningful action or decision that contributes to progress or change. Example: "The new policy represents a significant step towards improving workplace diversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It's a significant step".

The New York Times

"This is a significant step.

Independent

I think that's a significant step forward".

The Guardian

"It's a significant step," Mr. Krens said.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a significant step for me.

The New York Times

"We have taken a significant step forward.

The Guardian

The UK interest is a significant step.

The Guardian

"This is a significant step in that direction".

The New York Times - Sports

Professor Mnookin called the study a significant step.

The New York Times

We're pleased to have taken a significant step".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This would represent a significant step beyond the current science.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant step" when you want to emphasize the importance of an action or decision in achieving a goal or desired outcome. It's effective in highlighting progress and impact.

Common error

While "a significant step" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a major advancement" or "an important milestone" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant step" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is widely employed to underscore progress or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant step" is a widely used phrase to emphasize the importance and impact of an action or decision. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. To enhance your writing, consider varying your language with synonyms like "a major advancement" or "an important milestone", and be mindful of overusing the phrase. Remember, while versatile, its impact is best when used judiciously to highlight genuine progress or turning points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentous step

Emphasizes the importance and historical impact of the step.

a major step

Highlights the size and importance of the step.

a noteworthy step

Focuses on the step being deserving of attention or recognition.

a remarkable step

Stresses the unusual or surprising nature of the step.

a vital step

Indicates the crucial and necessary nature of the step.

a huge step

Emphasizes the large impact or progress made by the step.

a considerable step

Highlights the substantial amount of progress or change.

a substantial step

Similar to considerable, emphasizing the amount of progress.

a notable step

Similar to noteworthy, indicating the step is worth mentioning.

a large step

Focuses on the magnitude or scale of the step.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant step" to describe an action or decision that represents important progress. For example, "The new policy is "a significant step" towards improving workplace diversity."

What can I say instead of "a significant step"?

You can use alternatives like "a major advancement", "an important milestone", or "a noteworthy achievement depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a significant step" or "an important step"?

Both "a significant step" and "an important step" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Significant" often implies a greater degree of impact or consequence than "important."

What's the difference between "a significant step forward" and "a significant step backward"?

"A significant step forward" indicates progress or improvement, while "a significant step backward" indicates a setback or decline. The direction (forward or backward) determines the overall meaning.