big step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"big step forward" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express progress or improvement, for example: "The legislation passed by Congress was a big step forward in protecting the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

a big step forward.

The New York Times

That's a really big step forward".

The New York Times - Sports

But it is a big step forward.

The Economist

Still, 2006 proved a big step forward.

Independent

This will be a big step forward.

The New York Times

"It's a big step forward," she said.

The New York Times - Science

It is a big step forward.

The Guardian

"This is a big step forward..

The Guardian

But it's a big step forward.

The New York Times

Our team took a big step forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big step forward for Boston".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "big step forward", provide context about what specific improvement or advancement is being made to ensure clarity for the reader.

Common error

Don't use "big step forward" without specifying what constitutes the 'step' and why it is significant. Be specific about the achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big step forward" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive to describe an action or event. It signifies that something constitutes meaningful progress. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "big step forward" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to denote significant progress or advancement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily used to express approval or recognition of progress across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, more formal synonyms may be preferred in academic writing. To use this phrase effectively, specify the specific improvement or achievement to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "significant progress", "major advancement", and "substantial improvement".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant progress

Emphasizes the degree of advancement made.

major advancement

Highlights the importance of the progress achieved.

substantial improvement

Focuses on the positive change resulting from the action.

breakthrough achievement

Suggests a sudden and significant discovery or accomplishment.

leap forward

Implies a sudden and considerable advancement.

notable stride

Indicates a significant and commendable effort or progress.

marked development

Stresses the noticeable and positive evolution.

considerable upturn

Indicates a significant positive change, especially in a business or economic context.

quantum leap

Emphasizes the dramatic and transformative nature of the progress.

great leap forward

A more emphatic version, suggesting a very ambitious advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "big step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "big step forward" to describe an important advancement or improvement, for example: "The new policy is a "big step forward" in environmental protection."

What are some alternatives to saying "big step forward"?

Alternatives include "significant progress", "major advancement", or "substantial improvement", depending on the context.

Is "big step forward" formal or informal?

"Big step forward" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What makes something a "big step forward" rather than just a 'step forward'?

A "big step forward" implies that the progress is particularly significant or impactful compared to a regular 'step forward', which suggests a more moderate advancement.