a step closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a step closer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate progress towards a goal or objective. Example: "After months of hard work, we are finally a step closer to launching the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Donal moved a step closer.

The New Yorker

I took a step closer.

The New Yorker

She takes a step closer.

The New Yorker

Anton took a step closer.

The New Yorker

"No, it's a step closer".

The New York Times

"Yeah," Sinkler said, taking a step closer.

The New Yorker

That idea moved a step closer this week.

The Economist

It moved a step closer yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

A step closer to another title too?

The Guardian - Sport

On Tuesday, two much smaller transactions moved a step closer.

The New York Times

Fitzbaum took a step closer, and I winced.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like negotiations or political progress, the phrase "a step closer" is suitable to illustrate movement towards resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "a step closer" when the action described represents only a marginal or insignificant advancement. Reserve this phrase for situations where the progress is noticeable and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step closer" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate movement or advancement toward a specific goal or state. Ludwig AI confirms the usage of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sport

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a step closer" is a versatile and commonly used expression that clearly indicates progress toward a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts, especially in news, sports, and business settings. While highly adaptable, writers should ensure that it reflects a meaningful advancement, avoiding its use for insignificant changes. Alternatives like "one step nearer" or "making headway" can offer nuanced expressions of progress, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one step nearer

Emphasizes physical proximity and is slightly more literal than "a step closer".

a move forward

Highlights the forward direction of the progress, suitable when the overall direction is important.

a stride ahead

Implies a significant advancement, often in a competitive setting.

a pace advanced

Suggests a specific rate of progress made, focusing on the speed of the action.

making headway

Indicates positive movement and overcoming challenges, implying progress in a broader sense.

a progression achieved

More formal and emphasizes the accomplishment of the progress, often used in business contexts.

further down the road

An idiomatic expression denoting progress toward a distant objective or target.

a gain realized

Focuses on the benefit or advantage obtained from the progress.

inching towards

Suggests slow, gradual progress, often when obstacles are present.

advancing incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the progress being made.

FAQs

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

Use "a step closer" to indicate that something is progressing towards a goal. For instance, "The new legislation brings us "a step closer" to achieving environmental sustainability".

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

You can use alternatives like "one step nearer", "a move forward", or "making headway" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a step closer" in formal writing?

Yes, "a step closer" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business and news contexts, as it clearly and concisely conveys progress. However, consider stronger or more specific phrasing depending on the overall tone of your work.

Which is correct, "a step closer" or "one step closer"?

Both "a step closer" and "one step closer" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "One step closer" may emphasize the individual action slightly more.