as first steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as first steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing initial actions or measures taken towards a goal or process. Example: "We recommend implementing these changes as first steps towards improving our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He took these kinds of suggestions not as fantasies but as first steps.

The New York Times

"These can only be seen as first steps towards improving the overall fiscal competitiveness of the UK North Sea.

The Guardian - Business

As first steps go, companies should source "reliable, robust data" about their water use and then determine "what good looks like" for their specific context, he advises.

The Guardian

Just as shared ownership is seen as providing a first step into home ownership, these are seen as first steps into shared ownership.

The Guardian

It set forth 10 immediate measures as first steps toward communism, ranging from a progressive income tax and the abolition of inheritances to free education for all children.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most women don't say, 'I want to look 10 years younger.' It's 'How can I look better?' " She prescribes topical vitamins and acids as first steps to more radiant skin and peels for more aggressive results.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

As first step, we will prove that λ ¯ < 1 / δ.

Boundary Value Problems

Development of areas with strain localization is regarded as first step of fatigue damage and failure.

International Journal of Fatigue

Fig. 1 Anonymization process architecture: cooperation, between pair of records, is estimated as first step and as a second step CoV of each record is calculated.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

As first step, one needs to observe nodes behavior and learn their habits.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Matrix pre-treatment, generally applied as first step of Exploratory Data Analysis EDAA), can alter data structure and thus seriously biasing interpretation [12].

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a plan or process, use "as first steps" to clearly indicate the initial actions that need to be taken.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "as first steps" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to start" or "initially" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as first steps" typically functions as an introductory phrase or adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause by indicating that the actions described are the initial actions in a sequence or process. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase introduces the beginning stages of a plan or endeavor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as first steps" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce initial actions or measures. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's frequently found in scientific and news contexts, and it serves to clarify the beginning of a process. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "to begin with" in informal settings to maintain a natural flow of communication. The phrase is best used when outlining the specific actions needed to initiate a plan or project, setting a clear path for subsequent stages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as initial measures

Replaces 'first' with 'initial' and 'steps' with 'measures', highlighting the beginning of a plan.

as preliminary actions

Substitutes 'first' with 'preliminary' and 'steps' with 'actions', emphasizing the preparatory nature.

as a starting point

Replaces 'steps' with a more general 'point', focusing on initiation.

as an introductory phase

Highlights the phase aspect, focusing on introducing something new.

as an early stage

Focuses on the temporal aspect, indicating the beginning phase of something.

as a first move

Uses 'move' instead of 'steps', framing the action as a strategic maneuver.

in the early stages

Similar to 'as an early stage', but with a slightly different grammatical structure.

as an opening gambit

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the action, particularly in a strategic context.

to begin with

Offers a simpler, more direct way to express the idea of starting a process.

as a kickoff

Implies an energetic start or launch to a project or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "as first steps" in a sentence?

You can use "as first steps" to introduce the initial actions in a plan or process. For example, "As first steps, we need to gather data and analyze the market".

What's a simpler way to say "as first steps"?

Alternatives include "to begin with", "initially", or "at the outset". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "as first step" or "as first steps"?

"As first steps" is generally more appropriate when referring to multiple actions. "As first step" might be used when only a single, specific action is intended as the starting point.

How does "as first steps" differ from "as a starting point"?

"As first steps" implies a series of actions, while "as a starting point" refers to a single, initial position or idea. The choice depends on whether you're referring to multiple actions or a single point of origin.