as a preparatory step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a preparatory step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or measure taken in advance to prepare for a subsequent task or event. Example: "We will conduct a survey as a preparatory step before launching the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The largest RAPD-PCR fragments were cloned into a vector as a preparatory step for sequencing.

Gene

It was developed as a preparatory step for a telemedicine-based public health care system in ophthalmology in China.

Ophthalmology

In this note we outline an alternative approach, which uses the Flajolet Martin technique as a preparatory step and substantially reduces both error and bias.

Journal of Computer and System Sciences

The mathematical framework of different nonlinear physics processes is then introduced as a preparatory step to review in detail the most important meta-heuristics based on them.

Physics Reports

First, as a preparatory step, we identified care received in acute inpatient and skilled nursing facility settings, in addition to emergency department visits.

Injury Epidemiology

First, as a preparatory step, we identified events with care received in acute inpatient and skilled nursing facility (SNF) settings, in addition to ED visits.

Injury Epidemiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I found that, in Express Gate mode, it took only eight seconds to boot up, as promised, but this was only a preparatory step.

The New York Times

The student duel, known as die Mensur, was an approved pedagogical exercise, a preparatory step toward the all-important duel of honor.

The New Yorker

A preparatory step is to heat the washed ore (roasting, or dressing) not only to dry it but also to burn off sulfides and organic matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a preparatory step and can be done before conducting the experiment.

Applied Water Science

In remarks to the media at the festival, Kavanaugh indicated that the arrangement was a preparatory step for an eventual move to take the company public.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a preparatory step", ensure the subsequent action or event is clearly defined in the surrounding context to provide clarity and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "as a preparatory step" without explicitly stating what the preparatory step is intended to prepare for. This can leave the reader wondering about the purpose of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a preparatory step" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating the purpose or sequence of an action. Ludwig provides examples where it introduces actions done in anticipation of a subsequent event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a preparatory step" is a phrase used to introduce an action that is done in preparation for something else. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct. It is commonly used in scientific, news and encyclopedia contexts to signal that an action is a prelude to a subsequent event. Consider using synonyms like "as a preliminary measure" or "in preparation for", but ensure that the context clearly defines what is being prepared for. While "as a preparatory step" is generally suitable for formal and scientific writing, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a preliminary measure

Emphasizes the action is one of the first steps taken.

as an initial action

Highlights that it is the first action performed.

in preparation for

Focuses on the purpose of the action being preparation.

as a preceding action

Stresses the temporal order, that it comes before another action.

to lay the groundwork for

Implies creating a foundation for future work.

as a precursory move

Suggests the action is a necessary precursor to something else.

as a groundwork

Implies the initial phase upon which something else will be built.

as an introductory phase

Highlights that the action is the start of a longer process.

as an antecedent

Focuses on the fact that the action is prior in time.

to pave the way for

Suggests the action will make it easier for something else to happen.

FAQs

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

Use "as a preparatory step" to introduce an action taken to get ready for something else. For example: "We conducted a survey "as a preparatory step" before launching the new product".

What's a simpler way to say "as a preparatory step"?

You can use simpler alternatives like "first", "initially", or "beforehand" depending on the specific context. A more direct synonym is "as a preliminary measure".

Is it always necessary to include "as a preparatory step" in my writing?

No, it's not always necessary. Consider whether the phrase adds value or if a simpler word like "before" or a rephrasing of the sentence would be more effective.

What's the difference between "as a preparatory step" and "as a preventative measure"?

"As a preparatory step" indicates preparation for a future action, while "as a preventative measure" indicates action taken to avoid a potential problem.