a substantial step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or progress made in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a substantial step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

Nevertheless, this first phase of the Council of Trent had achieved a substantial step forward, leading to a thorough reform of the Church's teaching and discipline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Douglas Mann, a heart failure expert at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine who also was not involved in the study, called it "a substantial step forward".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Observation that Sn-doping considerably improves photodegradation under visible light has become a further substantial step forward [3 6].

Chemistry Central Journal

The new design is fairly substantial, and I believe a significant step forward for usability and accessibility.

TechCrunch

That's a real step forward".

The New Yorker

"It's a real step forward".

Science Magazine

But this is a real step forward".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial step forward" to highlight significant progress after overcoming obstacles, especially when you want to emphasize the magnitude and impact of the achievement. It is particularly useful in formal reports, news articles, and academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial step forward" for minor improvements. This phrase implies significant progress, so reserve it for situations where the advancement is truly noteworthy to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial step forward" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant advancement or progress. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, highlighting the importance of a specific action or event. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial step forward" is a phrase used to describe significant progress or advancement. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While generally formal, it can be used in a variety of settings to emphasize the importance and impact of progress. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a significant advancement to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives like "a significant leap" or "a considerable advance" can be considered for subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a considerable advance

Highlights the notable degree of progress achieved.

meaningful progress

Indicates progress that is valuable and important.

a noteworthy advancement

Focuses on the importance and recognizability of the progress.

a marked improvement

Highlights the change in a positive direction.

a significant leap

Emphasizes a more dramatic or impactful advance.

a positive development

Emphasizes the favorable nature of the change.

an important milestone

Highlights progress as a key event in a series of developments.

a major breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and significant discovery or achievement.

a giant stride

Suggests a large and impactful step forward.

a valuable contribution

Stresses the benefit or worth added to a particular field or endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "a substantial step forward" to describe significant progress or improvement in a particular situation. For example, "The new legislation represents a substantial step forward in environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to "a substantial step forward"?

Alternatives to "a substantial step forward" include "a significant leap", "a considerable advance", or "meaningful progress", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a substantial step forward"?

"A substantial step forward" is appropriate when describing progress that is not only noticeable but also has a significant impact or moves things considerably closer to a desired outcome.

Is "a substantial step forward" formal or informal?

"A substantial step forward" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. It is less common in informal conversation.