at two steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at two steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific distance or position that is two steps away from a reference point. Example: "The store is located at two steps from the corner of the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

First, there were the working-class people who drank at Frank's bar on Fulton Street, ate Sunday brunch at Two Steps Down on Dekalb Avenue and avoided eye contact with the minor-league clockers selling crack cocaine and marijuana outside a bodega on Lafayette near Fort Greene Place.

The New York Times

Chips and curry sauce at Two Steps?

The Guardian - Money

Three different aeration procedures were designed using Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes with 4" diameter and 2 m length at two steps.

Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management

Sensory control of the symmetric switch cycle occurs at two steps in each rotational sense by inversely regulating the probabilities for a change from the Refractory to the Competent and from Competent to the Active rotational mode.

Biophysical Journal

The effect of different variables such as CTAB, sodium hydroxide and ascorbic acid concentration and also volume of extraction and disperser solvent was investigated and optimized by RSM at two steps.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Moody's has kept Spain's debt rating at its highest level, while Fitch last month cut it to one notch below top and S.& P.'s has Spanish sovereign debt rated at two steps below its highest rating.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In our decoding method, advancements are made at three steps.

Optics and Lasers in Engineering

In the present study, multi-objective optimization of cyclone separators is performed at three steps.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

In the present study, multi-objective optimization of square cyclones is performed at three steps.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

In 1808, for instance, two men fought a duel in Maryland — with rifles, and at thirty steps.

The New Yorker

In 1808, for instance, two men fought a duel in Maryland with rifles, and at thirty steps.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, consider whether "at two steps" provides sufficient clarity, or if additional context (e.g. "at two steps from the door") is needed for precise understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "at two steps" when the context requires a more precise measurement or a relative direction. Vague use can confuse the reader; always ensure it's clear from which point the steps are measured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at two steps" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by indicating a specific location, distance, or stage in a process. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to define either a physical space or an abstract sequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "at two steps" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to denote proximity, either in physical space or within a sequence of actions. According to Ludwig, its usage is most prominent in scientific and news media contexts, serving to provide precise details about location or progression. While the phrase is considered correct, clarity is key; ensure the reference point for the "two steps" is unambiguous to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases, such as "a couple of steps away" or "two stages later", can offer more descriptive options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two steps further

Specifies movement or progression by two increments.

a couple of steps away

Emphasizes physical distance using a more casual expression.

in close proximity

Highlights nearness without specifying the exact number of steps.

a short distance

Indicates a brief span, suitable for physical or abstract contexts.

two stages later

Emphasizes process advancement.

shortly thereafter

Focuses on temporal sequence rather than physical space.

in quick succession

Suggests events happening closely one after another.

just around the corner

Indicates a figurative or literal nearness.

within reach

Highlights accessibility and closeness.

nearly adjacent

Stresses that things are very close without physical connection.

FAQs

How can I use "at two steps" in a sentence?

The phrase "at two steps" can be used to describe physical proximity or progression in a process. For example, "The solution is achieved "at two steps" in the process" or "The entrance is "at two steps" from the corner".

What are some alternatives to "at two steps"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a couple of steps away" for physical distance, or "two stages later" to indicate progression in a process.

Is it more appropriate to say "at two steps" or "two steps away"?

Both "at two steps" and "two steps away" are grammatically correct, but their suitability depends on the context. "Two steps away" is more common when referring to physical distance. "At two steps" is often used to specify a stage or point in a process or method.

In what contexts is "at two steps" most frequently used?

"At two steps" is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts to describe procedures or processes that occur in sequence. It is also used, albeit less frequently, in news and media when describing locations or events that are closely situated.