always one step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always one step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea of being ahead or maintaining an advantage in a situation. Example: "In the competitive world of business, it's crucial to stay always one step ahead of your rivals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The fashion connection has always been strong because skaters are always one step ahead on the trends".

The New York Times - Style

"The authorities are always one step behind the situation on the ground".

The New York Times

Are the hackers always one step ahead?

Harvard Business Review

The microbes were always one step ahead.

The Guardian

The financiers were always one step ahead.

The New York Times

He's always one step ahead of everybody".

The New York Times - Sports

The law seemed to be always one step behind.

The New Yorker

He was always one step behind the Hulk.

The New Yorker

They are always one step ahead of me".

The New Yorker

Their chemists are always one step ahead of any regulation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Her health was shaky; she was always one step ahead of being broke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a constant competition, use "always one step" to highlight the need to stay ahead of rivals.

Common error

Avoid using "always one step" when you simply mean 'slightly ahead' in a physical race; the phrase often implies a strategic or intellectual advantage, not just a small distance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always one step" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a consistent state of being ahead or behind. Ludwig examples show it modifying actions or states of being, similar to how Ludwig AI explains it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always one step" is a versatile expression used to describe consistently maintaining an advantage or disadvantage. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a pattern of behavior or state and is grammatically correct. It's frequently found in News & Media sources, with significant presence in books, sports, and lifestyle content. The examples show that it implies strategic thinking and preparedness. When using "always one step", ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, and consider alternatives like "consistently ahead" or "perpetually in front" for nuances. Be wary of misusing it in purely physical contexts where 'slightly ahead' would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently ahead

Emphasizes the continuous nature of being in a leading position; replaces "always" with "consistently".

perpetually in front

Highlights the unending aspect of being ahead; substitutes "always" with "perpetually" and "one step" with "in front".

continually leading

Focuses on the act of leading, stressing its ongoing nature; replaces "always one step" with "continually leading".

ever in the lead

Indicates being constantly in a winning or dominant position; substitutes "always" with "ever" and rephrases "one step" as "in the lead".

invariably ahead

Underscores the unchangeable state of being in front; replaces "always" with "invariably" and simplifies "one step" to "ahead".

habitually surpassing

Highlights the customary action of exceeding or outdoing others; substitutes "always" with "habitually" and "one step" with "surpassing".

predictably dominant

Implies a foreseeable state of control or superiority; replaces "always one step" with "predictably dominant".

customarily preceding

Focuses on the usual practice of coming before or going in front; substitutes "always" with "customarily" and "one step" with "preceding".

usually outmaneuvering

Highlights the typical action of cleverly gaining an advantage; substitutes "always" with "usually" and "one step" with "outmaneuvering".

unfailingly progressing

Underscores the continuous nature of advancing; replaces "always one step" with "unfailingly progressing".

FAQs

How can I use "always one step" in a sentence?

You can use "always one step" to describe someone who is consistently ahead in planning or thinking. For example, "A good strategist is "always one step" ahead of their opponent".

What are some alternatives to "always one step"?

Alternatives include "consistently ahead", "perpetually in front", or "continually leading", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "always one step ahead" or "constantly one step ahead"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. However, "always one step ahead" might sound more natural in some contexts, while "constantly one step ahead" emphasizes the continuous nature of being ahead.

What does it mean to be "always one step behind"?

Being "always one step behind" means consistently lagging or being unable to catch up in a particular situation or competition. It suggests a continuous state of disadvantage or being less prepared.