a sincere step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sincere step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is genuine and heartfelt, often in the context of making progress or improvement. Example: "Taking a sincere step towards reconciliation can help mend broken relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It will be a place that has struck treaties with its first peoples as a sincere step to conciliation; gives all adults who love each other the legal right to marry; engenders a culture of respect for women; is not only tolerant but inclusive of minorities; has politicians who demonstrate genuine compassion to refugees and does not cynically demonise them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have not seen any sincere steps from the Turkish side, despite all the steps we have taken since 2013," he said.

The New Yorker

Tokyo must take "sincere steps" to improve relations with Seoul before the Japanese prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi, can expect to meet the South Korean president, Kim Dae Jung, according to Foreign Minister Han Seung Soo.

The New York Times

When the settlement was announced, Mr. Obama hailed it as an "important step towards a sincere reconciliation" between the federal government and Indians, many of whom, he said, considered the protracted lawsuit a "stain" on the nation.

The New York Times

President Obama hailed the agreement as an "important step towards a sincere reconciliation" between the federal government and American Indians, many of whom, he said, considered the protracted lawsuit a "stain" on the nation.

The New York Times

A sincere apology is the first step to rebuilding trust.

WikiHow

In the meantime, I welcome a sincere and collegial dialogue on meaningful steps we can take collectively to lead the world again in education.

Huffington Post

Referring to that case, Lord Carey said in the statement: "It is, of course, but a short step from the dismissal of a sincere Christian from employment to a religious bar to any employment by Christians.

Independent

This is really a simple step to take if you are a sincere person and truly desire to know God and the Bible.

WikiHow

When you ask with a sincere heart, you can get direction on demand for next steps.

Huffington Post

A sincere closing such as "Many Thanks" or "Sincerely".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sincere step", ensure the context clearly indicates what the step is intended to achieve and why it's considered genuine. For example, specify towards what goal or outcome the step is directed, making the sincerity more evident.

Common error

Avoid using "a sincere step" without providing any context or evidence of its genuineness. Simply stating that something is sincere does not make it so; illustrate the sincerity through actions, intentions, or the resulting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sincere step" functions as a noun phrase, where "sincere" is an adjective modifying the noun "step". It describes an action taken with genuine intent. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and suggests authenticity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sincere step" is a phrase used to describe a genuine action aimed at making progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and understandable. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears mostly in news and general contexts. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the context clearly shows the genuineness of the effort and its intended goal. Alternatives such as "a genuine effort" or "a heartfelt action" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. It's crucial to avoid assuming sincerity without providing evidence or context to support the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine effort

Focuses on the authenticity of the effort made.

an honest endeavor

Emphasizes the integrity and truthfulness of the undertaking.

an authentic move

Focuses on the originality and lack of pretense in the action.

a heartfelt action

Highlights the emotional and empathetic nature of the act.

a meaningful gesture

Stresses the significance and impact of the action.

a bona fide attempt

Underscores the good faith and legitimacy of the attempt.

a truthful measure

Suggests the action is based on honesty and accuracy.

a principled approach

Implies the action is guided by strong moral principles.

a well-intentioned deed

Highlights the positive intentions behind the action, even if the outcome is uncertain.

a responsible undertaking

Emphasizes the carefulness and accountability in the action

FAQs

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

You can use "a sincere step" to describe an action that is genuinely intended to make progress or improve a situation. For instance, "Offering support to those affected is "a sincere step" towards reconciliation."

What are some alternatives to "a sincere step"?

Alternatives include "a genuine effort", "an honest attempt", or "a heartfelt action", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What distinguishes "a sincere step" from "a symbolic gesture"?

"A sincere step" implies a genuine intention to achieve a specific outcome, whereas "a symbolic gesture" may be performed primarily for its representative value, without necessarily involving a deep commitment to concrete results. The former aims for real progress, while the latter focuses on communication or representation.

Is "a sincere step" always positive, or can it be misconstrued?

While generally positive, "a sincere step" can be misconstrued if the actions are not perceived as truly genuine or if the outcome does not align with the stated intentions. Transparency and clear communication are essential to ensure that the sincerity is recognized and appreciated.