a valuable step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a valuable step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe progress or improvement in a situation, project, or initiative. Example: "The new policy implementation is a valuable step forward in our efforts to enhance workplace diversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet the creation of the ICC as the court of last resort for the globe's most monstrous atrocities was a valuable step forward in the fight for human rights.

Independent

Michael Bruford, a population geneticist at Cardiff University in the U.K., thinks the new study is a valuable step forward in understanding how sociality evolves in animals.

Science Magazine

Compared to the state-of-the-art approaches, this methodology includes the assessment of the uncertainty by means of Monte Carlo simulations, constituting a valuable step forward.

Applied Energy

Encapsulation into biocompatible and biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) could be a strategy to overcome biological limits of curcumin, offering a valuable step forward for its clinical application.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dorset County Council leader Angus Campbell said: "It is now necessary to provide such sites and this is a valuable step forward in providing a secure and safe place where travellers can stay".

BBC

Being able to see how "in demand" you are based on your professional history, which companies are looking for employees like you, and how, in turn, you can make yourself more attractive to employers — is a valuable step forward for the professional networking space.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We propose that the single most valuable step forward in interdisciplinary research would be to render transparent the methods of interdisciplinary research projects.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Building fundamental understanding of the interactions between component compounds will be a valuable future step forward, and will further empower the buffering of food crop cultivation against intolerable losses in yield.

BMC Plant Biology

A win tomorrow, a step forward".

Los Angeles Times

Nevertheless, this analysis adds a valuable component to our manuscript and a useful step forward in the larger exploration of the problem.

eLife

A step forward, but a baby step.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a valuable step forward", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific progress or improvement is being referenced. Provide concrete details to support the claim of value.

Common error

Avoid using "a valuable step forward" for minor or insignificant changes. Overusing the phrase in such contexts can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a valuable step forward" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or appositive, describing something as progressive or advantageous. As shown by Ludwig, it's a positive affirmation of progress.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a valuable step forward" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to signify meaningful progress or improvement. Ludwig highlights that it is a correct and usable phrase. While its usage is not exceedingly common, it is versatile, fitting into contexts ranging from scientific discourse to news reporting and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, it is beneficial to ensure that the context furnishes specifics about the nature and significance of the advance. Alternatives such as "a significant advancement" or "a positive move" may also be considered to tailor the message's emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the step.

a considerable improvement

Focuses on the degree of positive change.

a noteworthy development

Highlights the newness or interest of the progress.

a positive move

Suggests a beneficial action has been taken.

a promising development

Indicates the potential for future success.

a major breakthrough

Implies a more substantial and impactful advancement.

an important milestone

Highlights the achievement of a key objective.

a worthwhile endeavor

Emphasizes the value and effort involved.

a constructive measure

Focuses on the helpful and practical aspect of the action.

a forward-thinking approach

Highlights the innovative and progressive nature of the step.

FAQs

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

Use "a valuable step forward" to describe an action or development that contributes positively to progress or improvement. For example, "Implementing this new technology is "a valuable step forward" in enhancing efficiency."

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

You can use alternatives like "a significant advancement", "a considerable improvement", or "a positive move" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "a valuable step forward" or "a significant step forward"?

Both "a valuable step forward" and "a significant step forward" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Valuable" highlights the worth or benefit, while "significant" emphasizes the importance or impact. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "a valuable step forward" and "a great leap forward"?

"A valuable step forward" implies steady progress, while "a great leap forward" suggests a much more substantial and rapid advancement. The choice depends on the scale and nature of the progress being described.