a useful step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action or measure that is beneficial or helpful in achieving a goal or solving a problem. Example: "Implementing a feedback system is a useful step towards improving customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We think that our effort to validate two language versions of the FCQ for use with Filipino students is a useful step in this direction.

Child Indicators Research

In the complex cross-imp scoring method used, the Egyptians gained 166 imps, a useful step on the road to their second-place finish.

The New York Times - Arts

The article noted, "Giving the consumer access to aggregated data relevant to the devices using energy (in real-time and over time) would be a useful step to promote a positive behavioral change.

Huffington Post

We do view this as a useful step ahead in thinking about how gene expression genomics will advance us towards the goals of personalized medicine.

Plosone

This would be a useful step.

The New York Times

The show here is a useful step in that direction.

The New York Times - Arts

It views them as a useful step toward the creation of a community patent.

The New York Times

The white paper is a useful step, but much more work has to be done.

The Guardian - Opinion

They could debate whether cutting bank rate this month might be a useful step to take.

The Guardian - Business

Nonetheless, Mr. Hecker said China had taken a useful step in potentially slowing North Korean advances.

The New York Times

Taking away one rookie award is purely cosmetic, but a useful step.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a useful step", ensure it's followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., "a useful step towards...", "a useful step in...") to clearly indicate the goal or direction of the action.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a useful step". While it indicates progress, it doesn't necessarily imply complete resolution or a guaranteed outcome. Present it as one of potentially several contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful step" functions as a noun phrase, where "useful" modifies the noun "step". It typically describes an action, measure, or decision that is beneficial or helpful in achieving a particular goal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

57%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful step" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes an action or measure contributing positively towards a goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral to formal in tone, it is important to avoid overstating its significance, presenting it as one of potentially several contributing factors. Alternatives like "a fruitful step" or "a significant step" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the action. When using this phrase, follow it with a prepositional phrase to clarify the objective. Overall, "a useful step" is a reliable and versatile expression for conveying progress and positive contribution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fruitful step

Replaces "useful" with "fruitful", emphasizing the positive outcome or result of the step.

a successful step

Substitutes "useful" with "successful", highlighting that the step achieves its intended purpose.

a desirable step

Replaces "useful" with "desirable", focusing on the advantageous or beneficial nature of the step.

a significant step

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the step, suggesting it has a notable effect.

a useful milestone

Replaces "step" with "milestone", portraying the action as a marker of progress towards a larger goal.

a relevant step

Replaces "useful" with "relevant", indicating the step is appropriate and connected to the situation.

a useful stage

Substitutes "step" with "stage", framing the action as part of a process or sequence.

a beneficial step

Replaces "useful" with "beneficial", stressing the advantageous qualities of the step.

a worthwhile step

Replaces "useful" with "worthwhile", indicating the step is valuable and deserving of effort.

a needed step

Replaces "useful" with "needed" emphasizing that the action is necessary or required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful step" to describe an action that contributes positively towards a goal. For example: "Implementing a new training program is "a useful step" towards improving employee skills".

What are some alternatives to saying "a useful step"?

You can use alternatives such as "a fruitful step", "a successful step", or "a significant step" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a useful step" or "an important step"?

Both phrases are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "A useful step" highlights the practicality of the action, while "an important step" stresses its significance. The choice depends on the specific message you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a useful step toward" and "a useful step in"?

"A useful step toward" indicates movement or progress in a general direction, while "a useful step in" suggests involvement within a specific process or activity. For example: "a useful step toward achieving a goal" vs. "a useful step in the development process".