a vast step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial change, progress, or advancement in a particular context. Example: "The new policy represents a vast step towards improving employee satisfaction and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Chile's system may not be perfect, but it's a vast step forward compared with the antiquated Social Security system in the U.S.

Forbes

While none of the 1971 Act's supporters, I among them, believed it perfect, its approach represented a vast step forward from the child care system then and now in our country.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The cheesy food kiosks at the foot of Canal Street, for example, would be swept away to create a vast plaza stepping down to the water.

The New York Times - Arts

Both countries have made vast steps forward.

Los Angeles Times

His favourite setting was a vast flight of steps extending the entire width of the stage, rising steeply to a platform at the back.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For me, stepping into the studio and seeing the interior of the Teletubbies dome – now a vast inflatable – is like stepping into a memory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The celebration, typically crowned by a vast turnout of goose-stepping soldiers and dancing, uniformed women in the city's central square, was punctuated — as it is every year — by a flower show featuring bright red tuberous begonias called kimjongilia.

The New York Times

Stepping inside the hall is like stepping into a vast planetarium.

Vice

To enter you step into a vast hall where the turbines used to be.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each step requires a vast assembly of structural coat components and a host of accessory proteins that includes actin cytoskeletal and motor proteins, which cooperate together to drive the endocytic machinery [42 44].

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Thus, this additional step gives a vast advantage and potential for cholecalciferol to remain biologically active and, thus, maintain vitamin D status, which only strengthen the hypothesis that cholecalciferol is the preferred substrate compared with ergocalciferol.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast step" to emphasize a significant improvement or progress, particularly when contrasting it with a previous, less advanced state. For example, "The new regulations are a vast step forward compared to the old, ineffective ones."

Common error

Avoid using "a vast step" when the progress is only incremental or minor. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Instead, reserve it for truly substantial advancements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast step" functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" modifies the noun "step". It emphasizes the significance or magnitude of the step being taken. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a substantial change or advancement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vast step" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon way to describe significant progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to describe a substantial change. While it appears most frequently in news articles and scientific contexts, "a vast step" carries a slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the progress to maintain credibility. Alternatives such as "a significant advancement" or "a major leap forward" can also be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. The source quality is fairly high, suggesting that using this expression can add authority to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Substitutes "step" with "advancement" and "vast" with "significant", emphasizing the degree of progress.

a major leap forward

Replaces "step" with "leap forward", suggesting a more sudden and substantial improvement.

a considerable stride

Uses "stride" instead of "step" and "considerable" for "vast", implying a long and important step.

a substantial progression

Employs "progression" to replace "step" and "substantial" instead of "vast", focusing on the process of moving forward.

a marked improvement

Highlights the positive change made, using "marked" to show a clear difference.

a giant leap

Emphasizes the magnitude of the progress by using "giant" instead of "vast".

a sweeping change

Focuses on the extent of the change, indicating a broad and comprehensive impact.

a transformative move

Suggests that the step has a profound and lasting effect, altering the fundamental nature of something.

a quantum shift

Indicates a sudden and significant change, borrowed from physics to denote a jump between discrete states.

a game-changing development

Highlights that the development is revolutionizing something and completely changing the scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "a vast step" to describe a considerable advancement or progress. For example: "The company's investment in renewable energy is "a vast step" towards sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a vast step"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant advancement", "a major leap forward", or "a considerable stride" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a vast step" versus "a small step"?

"A vast step" should be used when the progress is substantial and noticeable, whereas "a small step" is suitable for minor or incremental improvements. Consider the magnitude of the change when choosing between the two.

Is "a vast step" considered formal or informal language?

"A vast step" leans towards formal language. In more informal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "a big improvement" or "a huge advance" depending on the context.