a substantial step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant action or progress made towards a goal or objective. Example: "Implementing the new policy was a substantial step towards improving workplace safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There, Ms. Gill Hearn said: "This guilty plea was a substantial step forward in this case.

The New York Times

An exit from Gaza would be a substantial step by any standard.

The Economist

He sees a substantial step forward too in other areas of public life, notably entertainment and athletics.

The Guardian

Providing access to comprehensive health services for all low-income Californians would be a substantial step towards a healthier state.

University of California, Berkeley

"This is a substantial step forward," Mr. Glantz said at a news conference that followed disclosure of the report.

The New York Times

This study provides a substantial step in the technology development required for the translation of this approach.

Biomaterials

But here is the bottom line: we can embrace this accord, take a substantial step forward, and continue to refine it and build upon its foundation.

The Guardian

The specific issue for our determination is whether the defendant's actions constitute a "substantial step," under § 39-12-101(a)(3), toward the commission of that crime.

Harvard University

majority for determining whether a "substantial step" was taken, the evidence in this case is insufficient as a matter of law.

Harvard University

(b) Conduct does not constitute a substantial step under subdivision (a)(3) unless the person's entire course of action is corroborative of the intent to commit the offense.

Harvard University

When a "substantial step" has been taken toward a tender offer, SEC Rule 13e-4 becomes applicable, and it does not require a fiduciary breach.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial step" to highlight tangible progress, especially when outlining achievements or positive changes within a project, initiative, or process.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial step" when the progress is incremental or minor. Reserve it for situations where the advancement is truly significant and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial step" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It indicates a significant action or progress toward a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is both grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial step" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote significant progress or advancement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent application across diverse fields, with prominence in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "a significant advance" and "a major leap" exist, "a substantial step" maintains a versatile tone appropriate for various professional and neutral communications. When employing the phrase, consider whether the progress is genuinely considerable to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advance

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

a major leap

Substitutes "step" with "leap", implying a more dramatic or impactful advancement.

a considerable stride

Uses "stride" instead of "step", suggesting a long or decisive step forward.

a noteworthy development

Replaces "step" with "development", focusing on the evolution or growth aspect.

a remarkable breakthrough

Emphasizes the innovative and transformative nature of the progress.

a crucial move

Highlights the importance and strategic value of the action taken.

a meaningful progression

Stresses the purposeful and impactful nature of the advancement.

a fundamental shift

Indicates a change in direction or approach, rather than just progress.

a decisive action

Focuses on the resolution and impact of the action.

an important milestone

Highlights the achievement of a significant point in a process or journey.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial step" to indicate significant progress or advancement. For example, "The new policy is "a substantial step" towards improving workplace safety".

What are some alternatives to "a substantial step"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a significant advance", "a major leap", or "a considerable stride", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a substantial step" or "a significant step"?

Both "a substantial step" and "a significant step" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a substantial step"?

Use "a substantial step" when referring to progress that is not just incremental but represents a clear and meaningful advancement toward a specific goal or objective. This might be in the context of policy changes, technological advancements, or personal achievements.