a step further

USAGE SUMMARY

'a step further' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about something that is an additional step beyond or beyond what has already been done. For example, "She decided to take her career a step further by enrolling in a graduate program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They went a step further.

The New York Times

Plank went a step further.

The New Yorker

Miller went a step further.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he took it a step further.

The New York Times

Mr. Ahrens took this a step further.

The New York Times

They also go a step further.

The New York Times

But Slater takes things a step further.

The New York Times

I will go a step further.

The New York Times

took the strategy a step further.

The New York Times

Some are even going a step further.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lately they have gone a step further.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step further" to clearly indicate an action or idea that goes beyond what has already been mentioned or done, ensuring the reader understands the incremental progression.

Common error

Avoid using "a step further" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language with synonyms like "go the extra mile" or "take it to the next level" to maintain reader engagement and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step further" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating that an action goes beyond what was previously mentioned or done. As confirmed by Ludwig, it denotes progression or advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a step further" is a versatile phrase used to indicate progression beyond a previous action or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse writing styles. Found most commonly in News & Media sources, it also appears frequently in academic and scientific contexts. While it is best practice to be mindful of overuse, varying your language with synonyms if needed, the phrase effectively communicates advancement or intensification. Its frequency of use is 'very common', with many authoritative sources utilizing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance further

Focuses on the continuation of progress or development.

go the extra mile

Implies exceeding expectations through added effort.

take it to the next level

Suggests elevating something to a more advanced or sophisticated stage.

elaborate further

Suggests providing more detail or explanation.

push the envelope

Indicates challenging conventional boundaries or limitations.

raise the bar

Implies setting a higher standard or expectation.

move onward

Implies forward movement or progression to the next stage.

extend the scope

Focuses on broadening the reach or coverage of something.

deepen the approach

Suggests intensifying exploration and understanding.

expand horizons

Highlights widening perspectives or opportunities.

FAQs

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

Use "a step further" to introduce an action, idea, or development that goes beyond a previous one, indicating advancement or intensification. For example, "The company implemented cost-cutting measures, and then took "a step further" by investing in automation".

What's the difference between "a step further" and "furthermore"?

"A step further" indicates a progression or advancement from a previous point, whereas "furthermore" simply adds additional information without necessarily implying advancement. "Furthermore" is more akin to "moreover" or "in addition to".

What are some alternatives to "a step further" that I can use in my writing?

Consider alternatives like "go the extra mile", "take it to the next level", or "push the envelope" to add variety to your writing while conveying a similar meaning of advancement or exceeding expectations.

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

Yes, "a step further" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and many reputable sources demonstrate its use across various contexts, including news, academic papers, and business reports.