a step toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"a step toward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an action or decision that helps to move a process forward. For example, "The new regulation is a step toward achieving environmental sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A Step Toward Stronger Polymers" MIT News 2012, November 5th.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I took a step toward her.

The New Yorker

He took a step toward her.

The New Yorker

It was a step toward active coping.

The New York Times

Is it a step toward a comeback?

The New York Times

It's a step toward rational thinking".

The New York Times

"This is a step toward pay television.

The New York Times

"This is a step toward success".

The New York Times - Sports

This is a step toward justice".

The New York Times

A step toward letting medical devices communicate.

MIT Technology Review

Hermond took a step toward her.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step toward" to indicate progress in a process or the positive impact of an action on a specific objective. For example, "Implementing this policy is "a step toward" creating a more inclusive workplace."

Common error

Avoid using "a step toward" when referring to a literal, physical step. The phrase is best suited for indicating progress toward an abstract goal or objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step toward" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate movement or progress in a certain direction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a step toward" is a versatile phrase used to denote progress or contribution towards a specific goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in written English. It's prevalent in contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science. When writing, remember to use "a step toward" to emphasize forward movement towards an objective, avoiding its use in literal, physical contexts. Alternatives include "an advance towards" or "a move towards". By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively incorporate "a step toward" into your writing to convey progress and positive contributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advance towards

Replaces "step" with "advance", emphasizing forward movement.

a move towards

Substitutes "step" with "move", suggesting a change in position or direction.

a stride toward

Replaces "step" with "stride", suggesting a confident or significant movement.

a progression towards

Uses "progression" instead of "step", highlighting a gradual development.

a leap toward

Suggests a more substantial or ambitious advancement.

a push toward

Emphasizes applying effort in a certain direction.

a contribution to

Focuses on the aspect of contributing to a larger objective, rather than a literal step.

a phase in

Emphasizes the aspect of a stage or part in an ongoing process.

an effort for

Highlights the exertion of energy directed toward a specific cause.

a development in

Highlights that is something being developed or advanced

FAQs

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

Use "a step toward" to describe an action or decision that contributes to a larger goal. For instance, "The new legislation is "a step toward" environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to "a step toward"?

You can use alternatives like "an advance towards", "a move towards", or "a progression towards" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a step to" instead of "a step toward"?

While "a step to" can be grammatically correct in different contexts, ""a step toward"" is specifically used to indicate progress or contribution to a goal.

What's the difference between "a step toward" and "a way to"?

"A step toward" implies progress in a direction, whereas "a way to" suggests a method or means to achieve something. The former focuses on advancement, the latter on the approach.