consequential step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consequential step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant action that leads to a particular outcome or result. Example: "Implementing this new policy is a consequential step towards improving workplace safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yet it is a small but consequential step from blasting the numbers as lies to the territory of conspiracy, imagining reasons for why we are being lied to, none of which augur well for the thread of collective trust that is very nearly frayed already.

The New Yorker

She is the natural candidate to oversee the most obvious and consequential step Mr Obama could take to stem global warming: a regulation curbing emissions from existing power plants.Republicans do not like that idea at all, and have introduced bills in Congress to strip the EPA of its regulatory authority over greenhouse gases.

The Economist

BRUSSELS — More than four decades after Britain tied itself to its Continental neighbors, Prime Minister Theresa May obtained the approval of the other 27 European Union members on a formal divorce pact from the bloc, a consequential step intended to take the country on a new, if unclear, path.

The New York Times

In practice, this means Hooks is interested less in speculation about, say, Shakespeare's "lost years" (1585-92), and more in figures like the stationer Andrew Wise, who took the unusual and consequential step of adding Shakespeare's name to the title pages of his plays.

The New York Times - Books

Hence, as a consequential step, future small-animal PET experiments are feasible.

EJNMMI Research

Alexander said that a consequential step in recovery was the hire of Giovanni Arrighi from SUNY-Binghamton in 1998.

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But competing bills introduced this week, one by Republicans and another by Democrats, show small but consequential steps on immigration that leaders on both sides think they might accomplish in coming months, before electoral politics overwhelm the debate.

The New York Times

I will continue to disagree with Joe Romm over whether "perfect" unfiltered public information on climate change would lead to concrete and consequential steps to move away from the fuels, and habits, of convenience.

The New York Times

But his actions on health care and Iran were reminders that the most consequential steps are those in which he is attempting to reverse course on policies without a clear sense of a path to success.

The Washington Post

The new rules represent one of the most consequential steps that President Donald Trump and his Republican allies have taken in their campaign to dismantle the 2010 health care law known as Obamacare.

HuffPost

Several other landmarks in our history -- the Emancipation Proclamation, the Voting Rights Act, or the Constitution itself -- are certainly more consequential steps toward self-government than the inchoate Act.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "consequential step" to emphasize the importance of a particular action within a larger process or series of events.

Common error

Avoid using "consequential step" for actions that have minimal or unclear impact. Reserve it for situations where the significance is evident and demonstrable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consequential step" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "consequential" modifies the noun "step". It signifies an action or measure that has significant or important results. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consequential step" is a grammatically sound and meaningful phrase used to emphasize the importance of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable expression in written English. Its frequency is classified as uncommon, most often encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. It conveys that an action is significant, leading to notable outcomes. When writing, be sure that the context does communicate the impact of such a step in order for it to be perceived as "consequential". Alternatives like "significant action" or "important measure" can be used to convey a similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant action

Replaces the adjective and noun with a different adjective-noun combination, emphasizing the importance of the action.

important measure

Substitutes the phrase with another common expression denoting significance and purpose.

key development

Focuses on the idea of progress and advancement that results from the step.

critical move

Highlights the necessity and decisiveness of the action.

vital undertaking

Emphasizes the essential nature and committed effort involved.

material advancement

This emphasizes the tangible progress made as a result

pivotal decision

This highlights the turning point aspect of the step.

momentous event

Conveys a sense of historical importance and wide-ranging impact.

far-reaching initiative

This emphasizes the broad impact of the initial step

substantial undertaking

Implies the task is considerably important or large

FAQs

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

You can use "consequential step" to highlight an action that has significant implications. For example: "Implementing this new policy is a "consequential step" towards improving workplace safety."

What can I say instead of "consequential step"?

You can use alternatives like "significant action", "important measure", or "key development" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "consequential step" formal or informal?

"Consequential step" is suitable for formal and professional contexts, such as business reports, academic papers, and news articles. It conveys a sense of importance and significance in a clear and professional manner.

What makes a step "consequential"?

A step is considered "consequential" when it leads to significant outcomes or has far-reaching effects. The consequences can be positive or negative, but they must be substantial enough to warrant the descriptor.