ceremonial steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ceremonial steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or procedures that are performed as part of a formal ceremony or ritual. Example: "The bride and groom took their ceremonial steps down the aisle, surrounded by family and friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The ceremonial steps of the central staircase -- cracked, chipped and caked in mud -- have been replaced with exquisitely honed marble from Italy and Spain.

The New York Times

In the past year, protesters have battled with riot police officers over and over, often within yards of the guards, who can move only once every 30 minutes — and then only to take a few rigid, slow ceremonial steps.

The New York Times

The world champions were accused by Australian Aboriginal elders last month of "cultural theft" in a routine where they wore dark body suits with white swirling patterns and performed ceremonial steps.

The Guardian - Sport

All the same, a steady momentum is growing for change and against Mr Mugabe.Moreover, though recent reports of the 86-year-old leader's impending demise were based on his occasional sleepiness at official functions and a stumble or two on ceremonial steps, plainly he could drop dead tomorrow.

The Economist

Sometimes it helps to take significant, ceremonial steps to promise yourself that you will continue to accept that the relationship is over.

Huffington Post

Whereas in Vietnam, you were done with your tour, packed up, got on the plane, and were home the next day, unable to go through the ceremonial steps necessary to reenter, to return, and the world you got home to was in cultural upheaval, partly because of the war you just left.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is best to start out with a slow ceremonial step.

WikiHow

"It's a ceremonial stair".

The New York Times

BERLIN -- The search for a German presidential candidate was proving more difficult than expected on Sunday, with Chancellor Angela Merkel's coalition split over who could take on the largely ceremonial post after Christian Wulff stepped down less than two years into his term amid allegations of wrongdoing while governor of Lower Saxony state.

The New York Times

Clemens maintained a professional distance when Ripken walked to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch yesterday, stepping to the side, choosing not toremove his cap and shake Ripken's hand, as he had done with emergency workers before the beginning of last Tuesday's game here.

The New York Times - Sports

Robert Rosario, a veteran from the Age of Pacun, stood on the steps holding the ceremonial first beer, a can of Country Club malt liquor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a formal event, use "ceremonial steps" to emphasize the traditional or symbolic actions taken. For example, "The graduates took their ceremonial steps across the stage to receive their diplomas."

Common error

Avoid using "ceremonial steps" in everyday situations where the actions are not part of a formal or traditional ceremony. Instead, opt for simpler descriptions like "walked up the stairs" or "climbed the steps".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ceremonial steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase describes actions or procedures that are part of a formal ceremony or ritual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ceremonial steps" is a noun phrase that refers to specific actions or movements within a formal ceremony or ritual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, suggesting alternatives like "ritualistic steps" or "formal steps". The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and is generally considered to be of neutral to formal register. When writing, it's best to use "ceremonial steps" to add a sense of tradition and solemnity to the description of formal events, avoiding overuse in informal situations. This analysis underscores the importance of considering context and formality when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ritualistic steps

Replaces "ceremonial" with "ritualistic", emphasizing the traditional and symbolic nature of the steps.

formal procedures

Focuses on the formality aspect, using a more general term for the steps involved.

official actions

Highlights the official nature of the steps, suitable for describing formal events.

traditional rites

Emphasizes the traditional aspect, replacing "steps" with "rites" to suggest a broader ritualistic practice.

prescribed actions

Focuses on the mandatory or required nature of the steps within a ceremony.

customary practices

Highlights the adherence to customs and established ways of doing things.

decorative staircase

Describes staircase as decorative rather than functional during special events.

symbolic gestures

Shifts the focus to the symbolic meaning behind the actions taken.

solemn procession

Replaces individual steps with a continuous, formal movement.

ritual ascent

Focuses on the act of moving upwards in a ritualistic or ceremonial context.

FAQs

How can I use "ceremonial steps" in a sentence?

"Ceremonial steps" can be used to describe the formal actions taken during a ritual or ceremony. For example, "The bride and groom performed the "ceremonial steps" of the wedding dance".

What are some alternatives to "ceremonial steps"?

Alternatives include "ritualistic steps", "formal procedures", or "official actions", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "ceremonial steps"?

It's appropriate when referring to specific actions performed as part of a formal ceremony or ritual. It adds a sense of tradition and solemnity to the description.

What is the difference between "ceremonial steps" and "ordinary steps"?

"Ceremonial steps" implies a formal and symbolic action, while "ordinary steps" simply refers to the act of walking or climbing without any special significance. For example, walking to work involves ordinary steps, while a graduation procession involves "ceremonial steps".