at every step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at every step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a process which requires completed many distinct stages, meaning that the process is split into steps and each step has to be taken or completed in order to reach the end of the process. For example, "Our team worked diligently at every step to ensure our project was finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He chose at every step to continue".

The New York Times

Delays arise at every step.

The New York Times - Health

The rain hindered us at every step.

Princeton University

at every step of the way.

Cornell University

At every step kinship and affront".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Machines verify quality at every step.

MIT Technology Review

At every step, he has faced official denial.

Independent

Repairs require rarefied judgment calls at every step.

The New York Times - Arts

Problems have dogged this settlement at every step.

The New York Times

But "The Good Wife" resists formula at every step.

The New Yorker

The nation's business press, too, celebrated him at every step.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at every step" to emphasize the consistent and repeated nature of an action or observation throughout a process. This highlights thoroughness and attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "at every step" when a simpler phrase like "throughout" or "during" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and unnecessarily complex. Instead, reserve it for situations where the step-by-step nature is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at every step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when and how frequently an action occurs. Ludwig shows that it specifies the continuous or iterative nature of an action or process, occurring consistently throughout each stage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at every step" is a versatile phrase that emphasizes consistency and thoroughness throughout a process. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is widespread across various domains, especially news, scientific and academic contexts. While alternatives like "at each stage" or "throughout the process" exist, "at every step" is best used when highlighting the specific, sequential nature of an action. Be mindful of overuse, and ensure its application adds clarity and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at each stage

Focuses on individual phases within a larger process, differing slightly in emphasis from the holistic view of "at every step".

during each phase

Similar in meaning to 'at each stage', stressing occurrences within separate phases of a process.

in each phase

Similar to 'at each stage', it highlights distinct phases, offering a slightly different structural approach than "at every step".

in every phase

Close in meaning to 'at each stage', the emphasis on separate phases still distinguishes it from the holistic feel of "at every step".

throughout the process

Emphasizes the entirety of the process rather than individual steps, providing a broader perspective compared to "at every step".

at every turn

Implies frequency and inevitability, similar to "at every step" but with a stronger sense of encountering something repeatedly.

at all points

Stresses ubiquity, indicating that something is present or relevant across all instances, similar to "at every step" but less process-oriented.

at each juncture

Highlights decision points or critical moments, offering a more strategic focus compared to the general progression implied by "at every step".

at each increment

Focuses on gradual increases or changes, suggesting a more measured progression than the broader application of "at every step".

constantly

Indicates continuous action or presence, lacking the step-by-step implication of "at every step".

FAQs

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

You can use "at every step" to emphasize the consistent and repeated nature of an action or observation throughout a process. For example, "The project was carefully monitored "at every step" to ensure quality."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "at every step"?

Alternatives to "at every step" include phrases like "at each stage", "in each phase", or "throughout the process", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "at every step" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "at every step" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that something occurs consistently throughout a process, as confirmed by its frequent use in news media and academic sources.

What's the difference between "at every step" and "at every turn"?

While both indicate frequency, ""at every step"" emphasizes progression through a process, whereas "at every turn" suggests encountering something repeatedly, possibly unexpectedly or with each change in direction.