at a certain step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a certain step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific point or stage in a process or sequence of actions. Example: "At a certain step in the experiment, we observed a significant change in the reaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The index s indicates the number of independent syndromes known at a certain step in the rate adaptation.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The on- and offline training systems visualize the state of the machine at a certain step of the procedure using structural SysML models.

Mechatronics

Thus, Moroccan water sector is now at a certain step in the expansionary phase with rising financial, social and environmental costs of developing new water supplies, increasing conflicts and competition between water users and appearance of the negative externalities.

Journal of Economic Structures

However, since the images are captured at a certain step, the image of the actual best focus may not be captured due to the sampling distance and the different starting search point.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Phase masks for the 2-D SORI phase-code multiplexing can be generated by shifting an elaborately designed phase plate at a certain step, which can avoid the use of a high-cost phase spatial light modulator for the generation of multiple orthogonal phase masks.

Optics Communications

The closeness between the brown and light blue curves proves that we do not need to know the whole AS in order to identify it as a community at a certain step of the modularity optimization process: 15% of the nodes is enough in order to get as good a result as if we knew all the AS nodes.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The number of rule applications executed in a certain step is written at the end of the lines (after #).

Complex & Intelligent Systems

On the one hand, if one takes the "il y va" literally, one has a sentence about movement to a place ("y": there) at a certain pace ("un certain pas": a certain step).

SEP

This is why a certain step back was proposed.

European Journal of Futures Research

Is a certain step confusing?

WikiHow

The tracking capability is examined by shifting the acoustic impulse response to the right by 10 samples at a certain time step.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a certain step", ensure the context clearly indicates the process or sequence you are referring to. This helps avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at a certain step" when a more precise description of the step is possible. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a certain step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurs in a process. It specifies a particular point in a sequence of actions or events, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a certain step" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate a specific point within a process. Ludwig AI identifies it as having neutral formality and is commonly found in scientific, news, and general writing. While it's a valid phrase, consider using more specific language when possible to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "at a specific stage" or "at a particular point".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a specific stage

Replaces "certain" with "specific", emphasizing a defined point in a process.

at a particular point

Uses "particular" instead of "certain", highlighting a distinct moment or position.

at a given stage

Substitutes "certain" with "given", suggesting a predetermined or assumed point.

at some point

Simplifies the phrase to indicate an unspecified moment in a sequence.

at one stage

Uses "one" to replace "a certain", indicating a single point in a process.

in a given phase

Replaces "step" with "phase", referring to a stage in a process or project.

at a designated juncture

Replaces "step" with "juncture", implying a critical or important point.

during a specific phase

Emphasizes the temporal aspect by using "during" and replacing "step" with "phase".

in a defined stage

Uses "defined" to specify that the stage is well-established or clear.

at some juncture

Simplifies to "some juncture", indicating a critical or important point without specifying exactly when.

FAQs

How can I use "at a certain step" in a sentence?

You can use "at a certain step" to refer to a specific point or stage in a process or sequence of actions. For example, "At a certain step in the experiment, we observed a significant change in the reaction."

What are some alternatives to "at a certain step"?

You can use alternatives like "at a specific stage", "at a particular point", or "at some point" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "at a certain step" or "at a specific step"?

Both "at a certain step" and "at a specific step" are correct, but "specific" implies a more defined or known point compared to "certain", which can be slightly more general.

What is the difference between "at a certain step" and "at a certain stage"?

While similar, "step" often refers to a more granular or discrete action within a process, whereas "at a certain stage" typically implies a broader phase or period within that process.