an unsteady step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unsteady step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a movement that lacks stability or confidence, often indicating hesitation or difficulty in walking. Example: "After the long hike, she took an unsteady step as she tried to regain her balance on the rocky terrain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the second round, Ramirez capitalized on an unsteady step by the 36-year-old Abraham, rocking him with a sudden punch to the face that left the champion wobbled and so out of sorts seconds later at the bell that he began walking to the wrong corner.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There was baby Samara getting a haircut, taking a few unsteady steps; toddler Samara playing with her brother, fighting with her brother, taking a brave dip underwater in swim class; preschool Samara eating pizza on a road trip, sassing the camera with her tongue out.

The New York Times - Tech

A few unsteady steps beneath her hundred pound plus gear and she latched her arms around a tree trunk and twisted her mask from her face.

Johns Hopkins University

He took a few unsteady steps toward them and then collapsed into their arms.

Wikipedia

A wall of police guarded the entrance to platform two with instructions to turn away those of glazed eye and unsteady step.

The Guardian - Books

I placed my foot on the same unsteady step that I had traveled upon 18 years prior.

Huffington Post

But he was also the protector of those sick with "unsteady step, trembling limbs, limping knees, bent fingers and hands, paralysed hands, lameness, crookedness, and withering body".

Emerging Infectious Diseases

So, at first, I wrote only in Russian, but later, I took shaky and unsteady steps as a child does in English.

Huffington Post

In one of my favorite sections, a series of jittery, rising two-note motifs convey the unsteady steps of the hikers as they traverse a glacier.

The New York Times - Arts

Dr. Sasaki, who believed that the enemy had hit only the building he was in, got bandages and began to bind the wounds of those inside the hospital; while outside, all over Hiroshima, maimed and dying citizens turned their unsteady steps toward the Red Cross Hospital to begin an invasion that was to make Dr. Sasaki forget his private nightmare for a long, long time.

The New Yorker

The Federal Housing Finance Agency's recent announcement that it would bar Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from reducing principal for borrowers at risk of foreclosure has brought attention to an almost certain means to fix an economy that over the past few years has taken halting, unsteady steps towards recovery.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unsteady step" to vividly portray physical instability, whether due to injury, intoxication, or emotional distress. It adds a layer of detail that a simpler description lacks.

Common error

While "an unsteady step" is perfectly acceptable, be mindful of the context. In highly formal or scientific writing, consider more precise, clinical terms like 'ataxic gait' if appropriate. Avoid using "an unsteady step" if you are actually talking about general unsteadiness or uncertainty, not necessarily related to physical movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unsteady step" functions as a noun phrase, where "unsteady" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "step". It describes the characteristic of a movement that lacks stability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unsteady step" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase used to describe a lack of balance or stability in movement. Although Ludwig AI confirms that it's perfectly correct, it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news articles, scientific publications, and academic texts. It's important to note that depending on the context, alternative phrases like "a faltering stride" or "a shaky footfall" might be more appropriate. While acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in extremely formal settings where more precise terminology might be preferred. Finally, remember that "an unsteady step" can imply not just physical imbalance, but also vulnerability and hesitation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faltering stride

Emphasizes the weakening or hesitating nature of the step.

a shaky footfall

Highlights the instability and trembling aspect of the step.

a precarious footstep

Focuses on the risk and instability associated with the step.

a wobbly gait

Refers to the manner of walking rather than a single step, implying a general lack of balance.

an unstable movement

A more general term describing any movement lacking stability, not specifically a step.

a tentative pace

Highlights the cautious and hesitant nature of the step.

a staggering motion

Implies a more severe loss of balance and control than a simple unsteady step.

a stumbling advance

Suggests an almost falling motion, less controlled than an unsteady step.

a faltering advance

Implies hesitation or weakening in the progression forward.

a precarious advance

Focuses on the risky or dangerous nature of moving forward.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unsteady step" to describe someone's lack of balance while walking, often due to illness, injury, or intoxication. For example: "After the surgery, she took "an unsteady step" as she tried to walk across the room."

What are some alternatives to "an unsteady step"?

Some alternatives include "a faltering stride", "a shaky footfall", or "a precarious footstep", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "unsteady step" or "unstable step"?

"Unsteady step" and "unstable step" are both grammatically correct, but "unsteady step" is more commonly used to describe a lack of balance in walking. "Unstable step" might be used in a more abstract sense.

What does "an unsteady step" imply beyond just physical imbalance?

"An unsteady step" can also suggest vulnerability, hesitation, or a temporary loss of control, depending on the context. It's often used to create a vivid image of someone struggling or recovering.