at the next step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the next step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a subsequent stage or phase in a process or sequence of actions. Example: "Once you have completed the initial tasks, we will discuss what to do at the next step."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need to look at the next step," Mr. Gonzalez acknowledged.

The New York Times

Limit our social-media posts to good, relevant messages, such as ones reassuring relatives that we have arrived at the next step of our journey without fatal accident.

The New Yorker

"We were looking at the next step of progression for Betty and that was what we are going to do internationally," Warner said.

The Guardian

After you've narrowed down the courses and institutions you'd like to study at, the next step is to begin thinking about how to display your work for submission.

The Guardian

But as easy at it would be to turn this column into a gripefest, I'd rather spend time looking at the next step.

The New York Times

At the next step, NO2 reacts with soot to produce CO and CO2.

Catalysis Today

(18) The third term in (D^{q}V_{2}) will be canceled at the next step.

Advances in Difference Equations

Each operator is operated twice to obtain the solution at the next step.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

At the next step, we used microwave irradiation instead of conventional heating.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

At the next step, he/she examined the CBCT scans and answered its related questions.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Condition (5) is imposed for convenience in computation and can be fixed at the next step.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the next step" to clearly signal a transition in a process or a sequence of actions. This helps to guide your reader through complex procedures or arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "at the next step" when the sequence of events is already clear or implied. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the next step" functions as an adjunct, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing or sequence of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to guide the reader through a series of events or procedures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the next step" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to indicate the progression of actions or stages within a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it finds frequent usage in science, news, and business contexts. While there are opportunities to employ alternative phrases for stylistic variation, like "in the following stage", it's crucial to avoid overuse for maintaining clarity and engagement in writing. Overall, the phrase is useful in guiding readers through sequences, instructions or arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the following stage

Specifies the stage that comes immediately after the current one.

in the subsequent phase

Highlights that the phase occurs later in a sequence.

the ensuing action

Focuses on the action that results directly from a previous one.

the proceeding stage

Emphasizes that this is the stage moving forward.

moving forward

Implies continued progress toward a goal.

the succeeding action

Highlights the action that comes after the current one.

what comes next

Offers a simplified, conversational alternative.

the next move

Suggests a strategic advancement or maneuver.

in due course

Indicates a natural or expected progression.

down the line

Implies advancement to a later point in a process

FAQs

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

You can use "at the next step" to indicate a subsequent action in a process. For example: "After completing the initial assessment, "at the next step", we'll develop a detailed treatment plan."

What's a more formal way to say "at the next step"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the following stage" or "subsequently". For example: "In the following stage, the data will be analyzed using advanced statistical methods."

Is it always necessary to use "at the next step" when describing a process?

No, using "at the next step" is not always necessary. If the sequence is already clear, it can be omitted for conciseness. Sometimes, transitions can be implied or indicated using other connective words or phrases.

Which is correct: "in next step" or "at the next step"?

"At the next step" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "In next step" is not grammatically standard.