be a critical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be a critical step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an important action or decision that is necessary for achieving a goal or completing a process. Example: "Implementing this new software will be a critical step in improving our overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For some suffering and alienated people — certainly not all — feeling respectfully understood can be a critical step toward recovery.

The New York Times

ID changes can be a critical step for trans people, she said: "It's really empowering and important that they have documents that match who they are".

The Guardian

Until people and places change, city bike-sharing programs may be a critical step on the path to improved bicycle safety.

The New York Times

Perhaps this is going to be a campaign theme, although frankly, getting elected seems to be a critical step between the running and the getting the job done part.

The New York Times

In other words, Dr. Levine and her colleagues concluded, an increase in autophagy, prompted by exercise, seems to be a critical step in achieving the health benefits of exercise.

The New York Times

To some, self-rule inside Syria could be a critical step toward creating a single independent nation of Kurdistan uniting the diaspora from different countries, a long-term dream that complicates the regional calculus.

The New York Times

This proved to be a critical step.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

But it appears that this may be a critical step one in getting the Web Store ready to go.

TechCrunch

In general, the treatment of the Cu foil is found to be a critical step to grow high-quality graphene.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to be a critical step along the metastasis of carcinomas.

Seminars in Oncology

The initial adhesion of the pathogen to the extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the host is believed to be a critical step for successful infection.

Protein & Cell

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be a critical step" to underscore the necessity of a particular action or phase in achieving a larger objective. It's best suited for situations where that specific step holds significant weight, without which the desired outcome might not be realized.

Common error

While effective, avoid overusing "be a critical step" as it can dilute its impact. Opt for synonyms like "essential", "vital", or "key" to maintain clarity and emphasis when describing various important actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be a critical step" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying a subject as an essential action or stage. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correctly used across various contexts, highlighting its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be a critical step" is a frequently used phrase that highlights the importance of a particular action or stage. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and professional settings. When using this phrase, remember that while it's powerful, overusing it can diminish its impact. Be mindful to use synonyms to maintain clarity. The phrase effectively communicates the necessity of a specific action for achieving a desired result, making it a valuable tool in persuasive and informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be an essential part

Replaces "critical step" with "essential part", focusing on the necessity of something within a larger process.

be a vital move

Substitutes "critical step" with "vital move", emphasizing the importance of an action.

be a key component

Replaces "critical step" with "key component", highlighting the role of something as a fundamental element.

be a crucial stage

Changes "critical step" to "crucial stage", indicating a significant phase in a process.

be paramount

Condenses the phrase to a single adjective, highlighting the supreme importance of something.

be of utmost importance

Rephrases to emphasize the high degree of importance.

play a decisive role

Shifts the focus from a step to the role something plays, highlighting its impact.

prove indispensable

Highlights the necessity of something by stating that it is irreplaceable.

turn out to be fundamental

Emphasizes the underlying importance and foundational nature of the step.

mark a turning point

Focuses on the transformative nature of the step, indicating a significant change.

FAQs

How can I use "be a critical step" in a sentence?

The phrase "be a critical step" is used to emphasize the importance of a particular action or stage in achieving a specific goal. For example, "Implementing the new safety protocols will "be a critical step" in reducing workplace accidents."

What are some alternatives to "be a critical step"?

You can use alternatives like "be an essential part", "be a vital move", or "be a key component" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "be a critical step" or "become a critical step"?

Both "be a critical step" and "become a critical step" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Be a critical step" implies that something is inherently important, while "become a critical step" suggests that something gains importance over time.

What's the difference between "be a critical step" and "be a major step"?

While both phrases indicate significance, ""be a critical step"" emphasizes that the step is essential and necessary, whereas "be a major step" simply highlights its large impact or scale.