a significant step backward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant step backward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or decision that represents a regression or decline from a previous state or progress. Example: "The new policy is seen by many as a significant step backward in our efforts to promote equality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Every positive development seems undermined by a significant step backward.

The New York Times

The White House immediately criticized the vote, calling it "a significant step backward in defending our country against terrorism".

The New York Times

"I am not alone in feeling that the Kydland-Prescott model of business cycles was a significant step backward," said Robert Gordon, an economist at Northwestern University.

The New York Times

No one expects them to have a veto, but it seems a significant step backward that the decision was made behind closed doors, without room for representation or explanation.

The Guardian

By eliminating the law's central accountability provisions, the bill would represent "a significant step backward," returning the nation to the years before No Child's passage, when many states did a slipshod job of promoting student achievement, they said.

The New York Times

"Poland has taken a significant step backward," said David McMillan, chief executive of Aviva Europe in London, which manages a private pension fund in Poland with 17.5 billion euros in assets.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In many ways there are signs that the country has taken significant steps backward while making a few forward steps.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a significant step.

Independent

"It's a significant step".

The New York Times

This was a significant step.

BBC

If the money doesn't come through, it will not only be a significant backward step in the rebuilding of New Orleans, it will also short-circuit a promising new model for housing the poor in cities across the country.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language to describe the nature of the step backward, such as "a significant step backward in environmental protection" or "a significant step backward in educational standards".

Common error

Avoid using "a significant step backward" in overly broad or abstract contexts without specific examples. Ground the phrase in concrete details to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant step backward" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a situation, action, or decision that represents a regression or decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and standard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant step backward" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a decline or regression from a previous state of progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression in English. The analysis reveals its frequent use in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, reflecting its applicability in assessing policies, decisions, and trends. While versatile, it's most effective when grounded in specific details to avoid abstractness. Alternatives such as "a considerable regression" or "a major setback" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reversal of progress

Directly indicates that forward movement has been undone, emphasizing the change in direction.

a considerable regression

Emphasizes the act of returning to a previous, less developed state, highlighting the extent of the decline.

a major setback

Focuses on the hindrance or obstacle created by the backward movement, emphasizing the impact on progress.

a marked decline

Highlights the reduction in quality, quantity, or condition, emphasizing the noticeable deterioration.

a notable downturn

Stresses the negative shift or change in direction, often in an economic or performance context.

a serious regression

Emphasizes the gravity and importance of the backward movement or decline.

a slide in standards

Focuses on the lowering of quality or benchmarks, emphasizing the deterioration of accepted levels.

a big mistake

Focuses on the error or misjudgment that led to the negative outcome, rather than the movement itself.

a calamitous error

Emphasizes the disastrous impact of the action or event, highlighting its severe consequences.

an unfortunate development

Downplays the negative aspect, focusing on the regrettable nature of the event without explicitly stating regression.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "a significant step backward"?

It means there's been a regression or decline from a previous state of progress, indicating a move away from a desired outcome or improvement.

Which is correct, "a significant step backward" or "a significant step forwards"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have opposite meanings. "A significant step backward" means a regression, while "a significant step forward" means progress.

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

You can use alternatives like "a considerable regression", "a major setback", or "a reversal of progress", depending on the specific context.

How to use "a significant step backward" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe policies, decisions, or events that represent a decline. For example: "The new policy is seen by many as a significant step backward in our efforts to promote equality."