as a possible next step

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a possible next step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest taking an action or making a decision. For example: "As a possible next step, let's set up a meeting to discuss our options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

With Mr. Guaidó's call for mass defections by the Venezuelan military largely unheeded, some opposition figures have begun talking of outside military intervention as a possible next step.

The New York Times

Russia has not declared that it will unequivocally support sanctions on Iran, which are now being discussed as a possible next step following Iran's dismissal of a United Nations-sponsored plan to process its uranium abroad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A nomination to MOMA's board is a possible next step.

Forbes

A possible next step would be to establish procedures for making possible PX "complete" submissions for MS imaging data.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

MIT Sloan Management Review asked two professors who are sustainability experts to comment on Caesars' progress thus far — as well as possible next steps for the company.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The step-size adjustment uses the error estimate of a previous integration step to predict the largest possible next step h satisfying the required tolerance.

BMC Systems Biology

"Huawei is still evaluating the decision as well as its possible next steps," said a spokesman for the firm.

BBC

It helps displaced workers understand why they had to be let go, as well as some possible next steps.

Huffington Post

An attorney can help you understand your warrant and will make suggestions as to possible next steps.

WikiHow

At the United Nations, there was no formal discussion about Libya on Sunday, as diplomats weighed possible next steps and digested the Security Council resolutions passed Saturday night that imposed an arms embargo and economic sanctions on Libya.

The New York Times

The instructions below cover a few possible next steps.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a possible next step", clearly define the current situation or problem that necessitates the next action to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "as a possible next step" without providing any specific, actionable suggestions. This can make your writing seem indecisive and lacking in direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a possible next step" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a suggestion or recommendation. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase. It modifies a clause by indicating a potential action that can be taken.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a possible next step" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its usability for suggesting an action or decision. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it serves to introduce a proposition as one of several potential options. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clearly defined, and the suggestions are actionable to avoid vagueness. Remember that while it is a helpful way to introduce suggestion, it should be used to suggest potential action and not overused without actionability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a likely follow-up

Replaces "possible next step" with "likely follow-up", implying a higher probability.

as a feasible progression

Emphasizes that the step is a logical and achievable continuation of the current state.

as a potential course of action

Substitutes "next step" with "potential course of action", broadening the scope to include various actions.

as a viable alternative

Suggests the step is a practical and workable option, implying there may be other less suitable choices.

as a prospective measure

Replaces "next step" with "prospective measure", suggesting a more formal or planned action.

as a subsequent phase

Positions the step as part of a structured sequence or project.

as a conceivable subsequent move

Uses "conceivable subsequent move" instead of "possible next step", emphasizing the feasibility of the action.

as an eventual development

Indicates the step is something that may occur later, without specifying when.

as a further consideration

Replaces "next step" with "further consideration", focusing on the thought process rather than direct action.

as a future option

Substitutes "next step" with "future option", suggesting one of multiple choices.

FAQs

How can I use "as a possible next step" in a sentence?

You can use "as a possible next step" to introduce a suggestion or action that could follow a current situation or discussion. For example, "As a possible next step, we should conduct further research into the matter".

What are some alternatives to "as a possible next step"?

You can use alternatives like "as a likely follow-up", "as a potential course of action", or "as a prospective measure" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "as a possible next step" or can I be more direct?

The phrase adds a degree of caution or suggestion. If you are confident in the action, you can be more direct. Otherwise, "as a possible next step" can be useful for suggesting rather than dictating.

What's the difference between "as a possible next step" and "the next step"?

"As a possible next step" implies it's one option among others, while "the next step" suggests a more definitive and predetermined action.