a step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a step forward" is correct and you can use it in written English.
You can use it to signify progress or advancement towards a particular goal. For example, "The new legislation was a step forward in the fight against climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

I see this as a step forward".

The Guardian - Opinion

A step forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a step forward".

The New York Times - Sports

That is a step forward".

The New York Times

I took a step forward.

The New York Times

He took a step forward.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Classic — but a step forward," said Mr. Simons.

The New York Times

But it's still a step forward".

The Guardian

The father took a step forward.

The Guardian

McLeish has taken a step forward.

BBC

"The peace process isn't perfect but it's a step forward".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step forward" to highlight progress in a specific area, emphasizing its positive impact. For example, "The new policy is a step forward for environmental conservation."

Common error

While "a step forward" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "advancement" or "improvement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object, signifying progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, exemplified in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a step forward" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate progress or advancement in a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct. It finds frequent use in news, science, and business domains. When using "a step forward", ensure you are clearly highlighting an improvement or positive development, and consider synonyms like "advancement" or "positive development" to avoid repetition. It's a versatile phrase suitable for both neutral and formal registers, making it a reliable choice for expressing progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advancement

Emphasizes the act of moving ahead but is more concise.

a positive development

Focuses on the beneficial nature of the progress.

a progression

Highlights the continuous nature of the advancement.

an improvement

Stresses the enhancement or betterment achieved.

a leap

Indicates a significant and sudden advancement.

a breakthrough

Implies a major discovery or achievement that leads to progress.

a move in the right direction

Indicates that an action is likely to have a good outcome.

a stride

Suggests a confident and purposeful advancement.

a forward movement

Literally describes the act of moving towards a better position.

an upswing

Conveys a shift toward positive results or conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a step forward" to describe progress or improvement in a particular situation. For example, "The new initiative is "a step forward" in addressing climate change."

What are some alternatives to "a step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "an advancement", "a positive development", or "an improvement" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a step forward" and "a leap forward"?

"A step forward" implies gradual progress, while "a leap forward" suggests a more significant and rapid advancement.

When is it appropriate to use "a step forward" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "a step forward" in formal writing when describing progress, particularly when you want to emphasize the positive impact of a specific action or policy. It conveys clear and understandable progress.