as a preliminary step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a preliminary step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an initial action or phase that is necessary before proceeding to the next steps in a process. Example: "As a preliminary step, we will conduct a survey to gather data before implementing the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a preliminary step.

The New York Times

As a preliminary step, such patient information validation is assessed.

Stanford University

Archives|COPPER COMPANIES IN BIG COMBINATION; Guggenheim Exploration Corporation to be Dissolved as a Preliminary Step.

The New York Times

COPPER COMPANIES IN BIG COMBINATION; Guggenheim Exploration Corporation to be Dissolved as a Preliminary Step.

The New York Times

As a preliminary step, bridge will be included in the 1998 Asian Games, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The New York Times - Arts

As a preliminary step it is helpful to use a map/globe to locate Latin American countries.

Yale University

But privately he may think that, as a preliminary step, negotiating new borders would be more productive.

The Economist

The present experiment was conducted as a preliminary step toward one-step solvent extraction of CCA-treated wood.

Waste Management

This paper presents the application of DOE as a preliminary step for the electromagnetic modeling and optimization process.

Ain Shams Engineering Journal

The theoretical framework employed was Habermas's critical theory and emancipatory interest as a preliminary step to generate educational transformations.

Nurse Education Today

As a preliminary step, feasibility tests are investigated using different applied voltages of 10 100 V for 60 min.

Ultrasonics Sonochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a preliminary step" to clearly signal that an action is the first in a sequence, setting the stage for subsequent actions or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "as a preliminary step" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "initially" or "as a first step" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a preliminary step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or sequence of an action. It sets the context by specifying that the action is an initial measure taken before proceeding further. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

25%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a preliminary step" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an initial action in a sequence or process. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, especially in science, news, and academic writing. While "as a preliminary step" is generally formal, it's important to use it judiciously and consider alternatives to avoid redundancy. Understanding the best practices and common errors can help enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial measure

Emphasizes the action as a starting point in a series of actions.

as a first step

Highlights the sequential nature of the action, being the very first.

as a starting point

Focuses on the action as the beginning of a process or project.

to begin with

Suggests a simple and direct way to initiate an action.

as a prior action

Highlights the necessity of this action before others can follow.

in the beginning

Indicates the temporal aspect of initiating a process.

at the outset

Emphasizes the action at the commencement of something.

initially

Briefly indicates an action done at the start.

as an initial phase

Specifies that the action is part of the early stages of a broader process.

for starters

Offers a casual way to introduce the first action in a series.

FAQs

How can I use "as a preliminary step" in a sentence?

You can use "as a preliminary step" to introduce an initial action before further actions are taken. For example: "As a preliminary step, we need to gather data before implementing the new strategy."

What phrases are similar to "as a preliminary step"?

Similar phrases include "as an initial measure", "as a first step", or "to begin with". Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your writing.

Is "as a preliminary step" formal or informal?

"As a preliminary step" is generally considered neutral to formal and suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts.

What is the difference between "as a preliminary step" and "as a final step"?

"As a preliminary step" indicates the beginning of a process, while "as a final step" indicates the end. For example: "As a preliminary step, we gathered data; as a final step, we analyzed the results."