a step towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"a step towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is moving in the right direction, but not yet at the desired result. For example: "The company's decision to reduce CO2 emissions is an important step towards a more sustainable future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A step towards a career?

The Guardian

It is a step towards acceptance.

The Guardian

Today's announcement is a step towards that".

Independent

The devolution of business rates is a step towards this.

The Guardian

Amnesty International described the move as a "step towards justice".

The Guardian

Dr Zhang's method is a step towards that goal.

The Economist

They thus constitute a step towards political union.

The Economist

Observers reckon this could be a step towards full independence.

The Economist

One of the major political parties has taken a step towards this sensible tax reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was meant to be a step towards a regional protection framework".

The Guardian

As for Gosha, he has already taken a step towards integrating into British society.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a step towards" to describe incremental progress rather than a complete solution. This sets realistic expectations and acknowledges ongoing effort.

Common error

Avoid using "a step towards" when describing a final or complete solution. The phrase implies ongoing progress, so ensure the context reflects an incomplete state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a step towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier describing the nature or direction of an action or decision. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates progress or contribution toward a larger objective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a step towards" is a versatile phrase used to describe incremental progress toward a larger goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's important to use it to describe actions or decisions that contributes to a larger goal or desired outcome and understand that the phrase implies an incomplete action. The phrase is commonly found in neutral contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business publications, with sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employing it. Alternatives include "a move toward" or "a progression toward", providing writers with options to express similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a move toward

This alternative suggests a shift or change in direction, often implying a deliberate action.

a stride toward

This emphasizes a significant advancement or progress made.

a progression toward

This highlights the gradual and continuous nature of the advancement.

a shift toward

Implies a change in focus or strategy.

a development toward

Focuses on the evolution or growth leading to something.

an advancement toward

Emphasizes the improvement or progress being made.

a contribution to

Highlights the act of providing or donating to something.

a move in the direction of

Indicates a change towards something.

an effort to

Emphasizes the exertion of energy or resources.

a way to

Provides a path or method to achieve a particular goal.

FAQs

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

Use "a step towards" to describe an action or decision that contributes to a larger goal or desired outcome. For example, "Implementing this new policy is "a step towards" achieving sustainability goals."

What are some alternatives to "a step towards"?

You can use alternatives like "a move toward", "a stride toward", or "a progression toward" depending on the context.

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

Yes, both "a step toward" and "a step towards" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Towards" is more common in British English, while "toward" is more common in American English.

What's the difference between "a step towards" and "achieving" a goal?

"A step towards" indicates progress, but not completion, while "achieving" signifies the successful attainment of the goal. "This policy is "a step towards" a cleaner environment" implies ongoing efforts; "This policy achieves a cleaner environment" suggests the goal is reached.