a useful step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a useful step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that contributes positively to progress or improvement in a situation. Example: "The new policy implemented by the company is a useful step forward in promoting employee well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That's a useful step forward in the fight against cybercrime.

MIT Technology Review

That's a useful step forward for a team clearly dedicated to unravelling the mysterious powers of alcohol.

MIT Technology Review

"We see it as a useful step forward but we don't regard it as the end of the road," said John Williamson, a senior analyst at the Institute of International Economics, in a fairly typical comment.

The New York Times

Versions of the same genes are found in people, where they produce a protein responsible for relaying signals from the outside of a cell to the molecules that make up its internal skeleton.Since changes in this internal skeleton may be critical for cancer-cell migration, identifying compounds that interact with steerins is a useful step forward.

The Economist

We think this is a useful step forward in providing more transparency for consumers".

BBC

"This is a useful step forward in trying to address the function of olfactory receptors in sperm," says Gordon Shepherd, a neuroscientist at Yale University.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

While this legislation was an initial, useful step forward, an Independent Review of the law by members of the U.K. Parliament has identified serious deficiencies in the act's reporting framework.

Forbes

These plans, which are now out for a two-month consultation period, are a useful step forward.In this section The dirty bomber Set China's politics free Stop blaming the weather Under the board talk An opportunity missed?

The Economist

In this regard, the study by Mueller and co-workers is a small but useful step forward.

Critical Care

Each reviewer was required to independently read their assigned papers and assess the importance of each according to one of four, semantically-differentiated, categories: 'Landmark' (assigned a score = 4) 'Major addition to knowledge' (score = 3) 'Useful step forward' (score = 2) 'For the record' (score = 1).

Plosone

This would be a useful step.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a useful step forward" to describe incremental improvements or actions that contribute positively to an overall goal.

Common error

Avoid using "a useful step forward" when describing a minor or insignificant change. Reserve this phrase for actions that have a noticeable and positive effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful step forward" functions as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in describing progress or improvement. It identifies an action as beneficial and contributing positively to a particular goal or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a useful step forward" is a versatile phrase used to describe an action or decision that positively contributes to progress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific publications. Its neutral register allows for broad application. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for changes that yield noticeable positive effects. Alternatives include "a constructive step forward" and "a valuable step forward", offering similar nuances. This phrase often communicates approval, encouragement, and optimism about the path ahead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constructive step forward

Replaces 'useful' with 'constructive', emphasizing the positive building aspect of the step.

a valuable step forward

Substitutes 'useful' with 'valuable', highlighting the importance and worth of the step.

a significant step forward

Replaces 'useful' with 'significant', emphasizing the importance and impact of the step.

a positive step forward

Replaces 'useful' with 'positive', focusing on the favorable nature of the step.

a helpful step forward

Replaces 'useful' with 'helpful', stressing the assistance provided by the step.

a worthwhile step forward

Replaces 'useful' with 'worthwhile', indicating that the step is deserving of the effort.

an advantageous step forward

Substitutes 'useful' with 'advantageous,' emphasizing the benefits the step provides.

a beneficial move

Replaces the whole expression, focusing on the positive impact of an action or decision.

a welcome advance

Replaces the entire phrase, indicating a favorable and progressive development.

a step in the right direction

Changes the structure while retaining the meaning of progress towards a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does "a useful step forward" mean?

It means an action or decision that contributes positively to progress or improvement in a particular situation.

What can I say instead of "a useful step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "a constructive step forward", "a valuable step forward", or "a significant step forward" depending on the context.

Is "a useful step forward" formal or informal?

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.

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

For example: "The new policy is "a useful step forward" in addressing employee concerns."