a step backwards

USAGE SUMMARY

"a step backwards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where progress or improvement has been reversed or undone. Example: "After years of working towards gender equality, the recent law changes are seen as a step backwards for women's rights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a step backwards.

The New York Times

That's a step backwards.

The Guardian

"This is a step backwards".

The New York Times

This feels like a step backwards.

The Economist

"They've gone a step backwards," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It certainly is a step backwards.

The New York Times - Sports

We've never taken a step backwards.

The Guardian - Sport

"Unfortunately the sequester is a step backwards".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Is Novarra's solution a step backwards as some critics claim?

TechCrunch

Tunisian women take a 'step backwards'.

BBC

It would be a step backwards, both for evident economic and political reasons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step backwards" to clearly indicate a negative shift or regression from a previous state. Ensure the context makes it clear what the previous, more desirable state was.

Common error

Avoid using "a step backwards" when the situation actually represents progress, even if it's imperfect. This phrase should only be used when there is genuine regression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step backwards" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object to describe a negative change or regression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a widely used and understood expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a step backwards" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where progress has been reversed or undone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. It is frequently used in news and media to express disapproval of negative changes. While alternatives like "a regression" or "a setback" exist, "a step backwards" provides a clear and widely understood way to convey the idea of decline. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the prior state from which the regression occurred. Avoid misusing it for situations that represent any progress, even if minor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regression

This alternative directly implies a return to a former state.

a decline

This term suggests a gradual deterioration or worsening.

a setback

This emphasizes an interruption in progress.

a deterioration

Focuses on the process of becoming worse.

a lapse

Implies a temporary failure or decline.

a relapse

Suggests a return to a previous, worse condition, especially in health or behavior.

moving backwards

Changes the structure from a noun phrase to a verb phrase, describing the action of regressing.

reverting to type

Indicates a return to a typical or habitual behavior, often negative.

backsliding

Similar to relapse, but often used in the context of moral or ethical behavior.

losing ground

Implies a loss of advantage or progress in a competitive situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a step backwards" to describe a situation where there has been a regression or decline. For example, "The new policy is "a step backwards" for environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to saying "a step backwards"?

Alternatives include "a regression", "a setback", or "a decline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a step forward backwards"?

The phrase "a step forward backwards" is contradictory and generally considered incorrect. It combines the idea of progress ("a step forward") with regression ("backwards").

What's the difference between "a step backwards" and "no progress"?

"A step backwards" implies a decline from a previous state, while "no progress" simply means there has been no improvement. "A step backwards" suggests a loss of something, whereas "no progress" indicates stagnation.