a wobbly step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wobbly step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a step that is unstable or unsteady, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "After the earthquake, the old bridge had a wobbly step that made crossing it quite dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The I.C.C. arrest warrant marks a wobbly step toward accountability and deterrence.

The New York Times

As he raised his first arm, his back foot, his right foot, would take a wobbly step away from the line of scrimmage.

The New York Times

Then for the Netherland's Wind Ensemble I wrote Fairest Isle, new accompaniments to a bunch of Purcell's songs, as well as completing and seriously tampering with the unfinished Staircase Overture, which in my hands became Step By Step - probably more of a wobbly step ladder.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The new fiscal stimulus package is a landmark, for it takes a few wobbly steps toward reform by allocating more than $100 billion toward education.

The New York Times

That makes the new fiscal stimulus package a landmark, for it takes a few wobbly steps toward reform and allocates more than $100 billion toward education.

The New York Times

After all, in her own strange way, she was a pioneer -- a trailblazing figure in branding, a woman whose every tiny wobbly step paved the way for the questionable role models that perplex and concern parents today, be they Bratz or Disney Princesses.

The Washington Post

He could not get out of the way of a comebacker, and as the game whirred on around him, he limped toward home plate, took a few wobbly steps up the first-base line and then bent over, hands on his knees.

The New York Times - Sports

"Unfortunately, this down payment is only a wobbly baby step when a giant leap is needed," said Michael A. Rebell, the campaign's executive director.

The New York Times

You've written that for babies 'every wobbly step is skydiving, every game of hide-and-seek is Einstein in 1905.' If children have such an intense experience of life, why do we have so few memories of early childhood?

University of California, Berkeley

"If she means it, then I applaud this minor wobbly step in the right direction," said Greg W. Meyers, chief counsel for the death penalty division of the Ohio Public Defender's Office.

The New York Times

He was unsteady but able to take a couple of wobbly steps holding his legs wide apart, like a baby taking his first steps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wobbly step" to vividly describe an unsteady movement or an uncertain initial action in a process. It's effective when you want to convey a sense of vulnerability or lack of confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "a wobbly step" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. While grammatically sound, it can sometimes sound too informal or figurative for scientific reports or legal documents. Opt for more precise and objective language in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wobbly step" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. The adjective "wobbly" describes the quality of the noun "step", indicating instability or unsteadiness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wobbly step" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something unsteady or unstable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While versatile, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Related phrases include "an unsteady gait" and "a shaky start". Use "a wobbly step" when you want to vividly depict movement or an initial action lacking stability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a teetering motion

Focuses on the act of swaying or moving unsteadily, as if about to fall.

an unsteady gait

Focuses on the manner of walking, highlighting the lack of stability in movement.

an insecure footing

Emphasizes the lack of stability or security in one's stance or position.

a faltering advance

Emphasizes the hesitant and unstable nature of progress or movement forward.

a hesitant beginning

Highlights the initial reluctance or uncertainty in starting something.

a shaky start

Highlights the initial instability or uncertainty at the beginning of something.

an unstable approach

Focuses on the lack of steadiness in the way something is handled or addressed.

a precarious move

Focuses on the risky and uncertain nature of an action or decision.

a tentative measure

Highlights the cautious and hesitant nature of an action or decision.

a feeble attempt

Emphasizes the weakness and lack of strength in an effort or undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "a wobbly step" to describe an unsteady physical movement, like "The toddler took "a wobbly step" forward". It can also describe an uncertain start in a process, such as "The new policy is "a wobbly step" toward real reform".

What are some alternatives to "a wobbly step"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an unsteady gait", "a shaky start", or "a tentative measure" as alternatives to "a wobbly step".

Is it correct to say "a wobbly step"?

Yes, "a wobbly step" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase in English. It is used to describe something that is unsteady or unstable.

What does "a wobbly step" imply?

"A wobbly step" suggests a lack of stability, either literally in movement or figuratively in the initial stages of a project or decision. It conveys a sense of uncertainty and potential for failure.