at the first step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the first step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the initial stage or action in a process or sequence of events. Example: "At the first step, we need to gather all necessary materials before starting the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the first step, an initial FRM filter is designed by alternately optimizing the sub-filters.

Signal Processing

The stripping of ammonia from struvite was mainly occurred at the first step.

Bioresource Technology

For design purposes, a temporal coupled mode theory was utilized at the first step.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

At the first step, the method decides whether a bearing fault exists or not.

Expert Systems with Applications

Tentatively trying out the New Journey as his slogan, Gore stumbled at the first step.

The New York Times

Such pacemaker enzymes usually act at the first step unique to a particular anabolic route.

Britannica

At the first step, the catalyst oxidizes NO in exhaust gas into NO2.

Catalysis Today

Therefore, at the first step, GSA method is compared with other metaheuristic algorithms on Shekel's Foxholes problem.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Classifiers of various models are trained at the first step and combined into the voting ensemble at the second step.

Expert Systems with Applications

At the first step, to demonstrate the performance of proposed algorithm, the Ackley and Shekel Foxholes functions have been studied.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

At the first step, the optimized condition for the sulfur removal has been obtained in the batch mode operation.

Ultrasonics Sonochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a multi-stage process, use "at the first step" to clearly signal the beginning and guide the reader through the sequence.

Common error

Avoid using "at the first step" in narratives where the sequence of events is already clear. Simpler words such as "initially" or "first" can be more concise and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the first step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurs. It specifies the initial point in a sequence or process. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the first step" is a versatile phrase used to denote the beginning of a process or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. While frequently used in scientific and formal contexts, it's important to ensure conciseness by avoiding its use in simple narratives where the sequence is already apparent. Alternatives like "initially" or "firstly" can offer more streamlined communication. With a neutral register, "at the first step" serves to guide readers and listeners through multi-stage processes by clearly marking the initial action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first action

Directly refers to the initial deed, emphasizing its role as the starting point.

firstly

Provides a formal alternative, suitable for structured explanations or lists.

at the outset

Implies a more decisive and planned commencement.

initially

Focuses on the starting point, removing the step-by-step connotation.

in the initial phase

Replaces "step" with "phase", emphasizing the stage of development.

to begin with

Offers a more conversational alternative, emphasizing the commencement of a task.

to start off

Offers a more informal and conversational substitute for initiating an action.

as a first measure

Highlights the action as a preliminary step in a series of measures.

in the beginning

Shifts the focus to the temporal aspect of starting something.

as an opening move

Suggests a strategic start, often used in contexts like negotiations or games.

FAQs

How can I use "at the first step" in a sentence?

Use "at the first step" to introduce the initial action in a series of actions. For example, "At the first step, gather all the necessary materials."

What are some alternatives to saying "at the first step"?

You can use alternatives like "initially", "firstly", or "to begin with" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at the first step"?

While grammatically correct, using "at the first step" might be redundant if the sequence of events is self-explanatory. In such cases, consider using simpler words like "first".

What is the difference between "at the first step" and "in the first stage"?

"At the first step" typically refers to the initial action, while "in the first stage" refers to a broader phase of a process. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a specific action or a general phase.