best step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the most effective or advantageous action to take in a given situation. Example: "After careful consideration of all options, we believe that investing in renewable energy is the best step forward for our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So rather than saying we've set ourselves up to fail in London, this could be the best step forward".

The Guardian - Sport

Given the fearful atmosphere and recent violence, MRC says that it is "currently reviewing the next best step forward in the best interests of the local community and for all stakeholders," a spokesperson said.

The Guardian

These experts agree that the best step forward may be to rally those who do understand the issue around potential solutions.

HuffPost

These experts agree that the best step forward may be to rally those who do understand the issue around potential solutions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

So, with the future of the Co-op Group at stake, what are the best steps forward?

The Guardian

The President's Task Force Report on 21st Century Policing is a great place to start when considering the best steps forward to building trust in your community.

University of California, Berkeley

Jacobs argues that the best steps forward are those that clarify and support meaning-based strategies for reading within and across the curriculum.

Harvard University

In a new statement on Tuesday night, the club said TG had "relayed views and opinions from the club's Malaysian investors," including major investor Vincent Tan, "while the UK board members present were also able to convey their thoughts and ideas on the best steps forward for the club".

BBC

Furthermore, we hope this workshop report will provide the basis for discussion in the expert communities on DNT testing and that such a discussion will identify the best steps forward.

Environmental Health Perspectives

While he acknowledged that the struggle to reform American education was "at best three steps forward, two steps back," Tilson characterized Black's departure as "a setback," pointing to a series of high profile exits from the NYC Department of Education, including the resignation of top deputy John White, who left for the New Orleans school system.

Huffington Post

The evolution of customer service on the Internet might best be described as one step forward, two steps back, according to new data gathered by Jupiter Media Metrix.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best step forward" when you want to emphasize that a particular action is the most advantageous and effective way to progress in a given situation. For example, "Investing in employee training is the best step forward for improving productivity."

Common error

Avoid using "best step forward" in highly informal or casual settings where simpler alternatives like "good idea" or "smart move" might be more appropriate. Maintain a tone consistent with the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically identifies the most effective or advantageous action to take in a specific situation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "best step forward" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the most effective or advantageous action to take in a given situation. As indicated by Ludwig, it's found in various contexts, including news media, academia, and science, suggesting a neutral to professional register. It serves the purpose of recommending a strategic course of action, emphasizing progress and optimal decision-making. While it may be tempting to use this phrase in all circumstances, avoid overuse in informal situations where simpler language is more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "optimal course of action" or "wisest move" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

optimal course of action

Emphasizes the choice of the most favorable action among several options.

most effective approach

Highlights the efficiency and impact of a particular method or strategy.

wisest move

Focuses on the prudence and good judgment associated with a decision.

ideal solution

Suggests a perfect or near-perfect resolution to a problem or situation.

recommended strategy

Implies that the approach is advised or endorsed by an authority.

most sensible plan

Highlights the practicality and reasonableness of the proposed plan.

superior tactic

Implies that the tactic is better than other available options.

best way ahead

Focuses on progression and improvement while denoting the most effective path.

leading option

Indicates that this option is at the forefront or most prominent.

prime alternative

Highlights that the alternative is considered of higher value in the present scenario.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "best step forward" into a sentence?

You can use "best step forward" to describe an action or decision that is considered the most advantageous way to proceed. For example: "Adopting renewable energy sources is the best step forward for our company's sustainability goals."

What are some alternatives to "best step forward"?

You can use alternatives like "optimal course of action", "most effective approach", or "wisest move" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "best step forward"?

It is appropriate to use "best step forward" in situations where you want to emphasize that a particular action is the most beneficial or strategic way to make progress. This phrase is suitable in formal and professional contexts.

What is the difference between "best step forward" and "good idea"?

"Best step forward" implies a more strategic and impactful decision, whereas "good idea" is a more general and less committal expression. The former suggests a carefully considered action, while the latter may refer to a simple suggestion.