an audacious step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an audacious step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bold or daring action taken in a particular context, often implying a level of risk or courage. Example: "Launching the new product in such a competitive market was truly an audacious step for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still, even supporters acknowledge that the proposal, prompted by a request last year from Community Board 5 to use the spaces better, is an audacious step.

The New York Times

The show at first was an audacious step for her, since at the time a fearful Hollywood was attacking television, a new medium and a formidable rival.

The New York Times

The package was much higher than expected, and represented an audacious step for a bloc that had been criticized for acting tentatively, and without unity, in the face of a mounting crisis.

The New York Times

NASA officials also face a major test of their agency's effectiveness: Is this another empty promise by an administration nostalgic for the triumph of Apollo and looking to make a splash while in office, or can NASA somehow pull off what would be an audacious step just in time for the presidential election?

The Washington Post

Instead, he took an audacious step: If some mice have super-resistance to cancer, he proposed, perhaps some humans do too.In fact, perhaps transfusions of granulocytes from super-resistant humans could treat cancer patients!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Written just after Rodgers and Hammerstein had broken new dramatic ground in the genre with "Oklahoma!," "Carousel" represents an even more audacious step toward the seamless integration of drama and music, and, for that matter, the depiction on the Broadway stage of human experience dappled in shadow, not just splashed with sunlight.

The New York Times

After all, President Andrés Pastrana has spent three years trying to lure the group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, into negotiations, taking the unprecedented and audacious step of ceding a huge territory to its control in a gesture of good faith.

The New York Times

On Sunday, Pope Francis took the audacious step of celebrating a Mass at St .Peter's Basilica to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians, and then calling those killings by their name: genocide.

Los Angeles Times

The little agency also took the audacious step of slashing certain fees--a move that provoked considerable bitterness among competitors.

Los Angeles Times

The England winger did that with an audacious side step that sent Evans sprawling.

BBC

And that is probably how it should best be considered: as a fascinating transitional work, and the author's first audacious step beyond the austere constraints of conventional historiographical writing.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an audacious step", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Audacious" implies a willingness to take risks, so ensure that the context reflects this bold and potentially unconventional approach.

Common error

Avoid using "an audacious step" merely as a synonym for "bold" or "ambitious". Ensure that the action truly involves a significant level of risk or unconventionality. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an audacious step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. It describes a particular action or decision that is characterized by boldness and risk-taking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an audacious step" is a noun phrase used to describe a bold, daring, and often risky action or decision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the action truly involves a significant level of risk or unconventionality to justify the use of "audacious". Alternatives include "a bold move", "a daring feat", and "a courageous act", depending on the desired nuance. Remember that while the phrase can be positive, it can also imply recklessness if the risks aren't carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bold move

Emphasizes the courage and decisiveness of the action, differing by being more concise and direct.

a daring feat

Highlights the skill and risk involved, shifting the focus to the accomplishment itself.

a courageous act

Underscores the bravery required, differing by emphasizing the moral dimension of the action.

a venturesome undertaking

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for failure, adding a layer of risk assessment.

an ambitious endeavor

Focuses on the scale and scope of the effort, differing by highlighting the long-term goals.

a groundbreaking initiative

Emphasizes the innovative and precedent-setting nature, highlighting the novelty of the approach.

a revolutionary measure

Highlights the potential for significant change and disruption, emphasizing the transformative impact.

a defiant gesture

Underscores the rebellious or non-conformist aspect, focusing on the challenge to existing norms.

a game-changing decision

Highlights the potential to alter the competitive landscape, emphasizing the strategic importance.

an unprecedented move

Emphasizes the originality and lack of prior examples, highlighting the novelty of the action.

FAQs

What does "an audacious step" mean?

The phrase "an audacious step" describes a bold, daring, and often risky action or decision. It implies a willingness to take chances and challenge conventional norms.

How can I use "an audacious step" in a sentence?

You can use "an audacious step" to describe a decision or action that requires courage and a willingness to take risks. For example, "Launching the new product line during an economic downturn was "an audacious step" for the company."

What are some alternatives to "an audacious step"?

Alternatives include "a bold move", "a daring feat", or "a courageous act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe something as "an audacious step"?

Not necessarily. While "an audacious step" often implies admiration for bravery and innovation, it can also suggest recklessness or poor judgment if the risks are not carefully considered or if the action is ultimately unsuccessful.