audacious step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "audacious step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a bold or daring action taken in a particular context, often implying a level of risk or courage. Example: "Launching the new product in such a competitive market was an audacious step that surprised many industry experts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Still, even supporters acknowledge that the proposal, prompted by a request last year from Community Board 5 to use the spaces better, is an audacious step.

The New York Times

In the novel, Rushdie took the audacious step of penning lyrics to the most heartbreaking love song the world has never heard.

The Guardian - Music

The show at first was an audacious step for her, since at the time a fearful Hollywood was attacking television, a new medium and a formidable rival.

The New York Times

The package was much higher than expected, and represented an audacious step for a bloc that had been criticized for acting tentatively, and without unity, in the face of a mounting crisis.

The New York Times

When American Needle appealed to the Supreme Court, the N.F.L. took the audacious step of agreeing that the court should hear the case, hoping a conservative-majority court would give it a free pass from antitrust rules.

The New York Times

And that is probably how it should best be considered: as a fascinating transitional work, and the author's first audacious step beyond the austere constraints of conventional historiographical writing.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I hope that the American people's decision will facilitate audacious steps being taken regarding fundamental rights and liberties and democracy in the world and regional developments.

The Guardian

There was something comically audacious about that step.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What he's doing is one step beyond audacious," said Kim Feil, chief marketing officer of OfficeMax.

The New York Times

"What he's doing is one step beyond audacious," said Kim Feil, chief marketing officer for OfficeMax, which recently signed an agreement to allow a horizontal UrgentRx display to sit atop the candy, mint and gum rack at the front of its checkout lanes.

The New York Times

California Initiative No. 07-0032 is an audacious power play packaged as a step forward for democratic fairness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "audacious step" to describe a decision or action that is both bold and carries a significant risk, but also has the potential for great reward.

Common error

Avoid using "audacious step" in situations where the action is merely unconventional or slightly daring. Reserve it for scenarios where the boldness truly stands out and justifies the elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "audacious step" functions as a noun phrase, where "audacious" modifies the noun "step". It generally acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a particular action or decision that someone takes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Books

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "audacious step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a bold or daring action, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most often found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and semi-formal communication. When using the phrase, consider the implications of the action and whether the level of boldness justifies the term. Alternatives like "bold move" or "daring action" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overuse in casual situations, and reserve it for actions that truly stand out. The phrase is a descriptive tool for conveying the risk and potential of significant undertakings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bold move

Replaces "step" with "move", suggesting a significant action with potential consequences.

daring action

Substitutes both words to emphasize the risk and courage involved.

courageous act

Focuses on the bravery required for the action.

intrepid measure

More formal and emphasizes the fearlessness of the action.

risky endeavor

Highlights the uncertainty and potential for failure.

adventuresome undertaking

Emphasizes the novel and potentially exciting aspect of the action.

ambitious initiative

Highlights the scale and scope of the action.

enterprising effort

Focuses on the creativity and resourcefulness involved.

groundbreaking venture

Suggests the action is innovative and potentially transformative.

radical approach

Emphasizes the departure from conventional methods.

FAQs

How can I use "audacious step" in a sentence?

You can use "audacious step" to describe an action that is bold, daring, and often unexpected. For example: "Launching a new product during an economic recession was an "audacious step" for the company".

What's a more formal way to say "audacious step"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "intrepid measure" or "ambitious initiative". These alternatives maintain the sense of boldness while adding a level of sophistication.

Is "audacious step" always positive?

While "audacious" often implies admiration for boldness, "audacious step" can be neutral or even negative depending on the outcome or consequences of the action. The success or failure of the step dictates the ultimate perception.

What are some alternatives to "audacious step" that emphasize risk?

If you want to emphasize the risk involved, consider using "risky endeavor" or "radical approach". These phrases highlight the potential for negative consequences.