a step farther

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a step farther" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate progress or advancement beyond a certain point or level. Example: "To improve our project, we need to take a step farther and explore new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I will go a step farther.

Cornell University

Beverly Donofrio goes a step farther.

The New York Times - Books

Now China needs to go a step farther.

The Economist

Ethel has taken the process a step farther.

The New York Times - Arts

In essence, what it does is take the idea of distributed computing a step farther.

The Economist

But they also took things a step farther than their cocktail-bar brethren by requiring membership.

The New York Times

But these guys in the Pentagon took it a step farther.

The New Yorker

The Kepler team took this a step farther by signing formal nondisclosure agreements.

The New York Times - Science

But McGowan goes a step farther, claiming she is herself descended from Jesus.

The New York Times - Books

Reitman, picking up on the sallies in Buckley's novel, takes that trend a step farther.

The New Yorker

Nakagawa Sochi takes this fashion-is-art, anti-mass-production sentiment a step farther.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step farther" to clearly indicate progression beyond a specific point. This emphasizes building upon previous actions or ideas, enhancing the narrative or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "further" when physical distance is involved. While "further" can sometimes substitute "farther", "farther" is specifically for physical distance. For example, it is better to say "walk a step farther" than "walk a step further" if you want to emphasize the physical act of taking a step.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step farther" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the extent or degree to which an action is performed. It suggests an advancement or progression beyond a previous action or state, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a step farther" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies progression or advancement. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse sources, with a prevalence in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its broad applicability. It is deemed correct by Ludwig AI. To enhance clarity, be mindful of the context and avoid common errors such as confusing "farther" with "further". By utilizing "a step farther" judiciously, you can effectively convey a sense of progression and depth in your writing, enriching the overall impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step further

Replaces "farther" with "further", which is often interchangeable but can imply a more metaphorical distance.

one step beyond

Implies surpassing something significantly or entering a new realm of understanding or achievement.

to a greater extent

Focuses on the degree of advancement or intensity, rather than the specific act of moving forward.

to a higher degree

Similar to "to a greater extent", but emphasizes reaching a superior level or standard.

even more so

Indicates an intensification of a quality or action, suggesting something is becoming increasingly pronounced.

to an even greater degree

Emphasizes the increased level or extent, adding a layer of intensity to the progression.

taking it up a notch

An idiomatic expression suggesting an increase in quality, effort, or intensity.

going above and beyond

Highlights exceeding expectations or doing more than what is required.

pushing the envelope

Implies challenging limits or boundaries, often in an innovative or unconventional way.

raising the bar

Suggests setting a new, higher standard of performance or achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a step farther" to show progression beyond a specific point. For example, "The company decided to take its marketing strategy "a step farther" by incorporating AI."

What's a simple way to rephrase "a step farther"?

A simple way to rephrase "a step farther" is to use "a step further". Both phrases are often interchangeable and indicate advancement.

How does "a step farther" compare to "going above and beyond"?

"A step farther" implies making additional progress or effort, while "going above and beyond" suggests exceeding expectations or doing significantly more than what's required.

When should I use "a step farther" instead of "an additional step"?

Use "a step farther" when you want to emphasize building upon existing progress or ideas. "An additional step" is more general and simply indicates adding another action or stage; it doesn't necessarily imply building on something already present. You could say "take "an additional step" to review the documentation".