decisive step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decisive step" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to describe a crucial action taken to reach a desired outcome. For example: The company took a decisive step to improve customer service by investing in new technology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This can be regarded as the decisive step before making your final decision.

WikiHow

And this would be a decisive step".

The Guardian

By Wednesday, the firm took a more decisive step.

The New York Times

The bill is a decisive step to achieve this goal".

The New York Times

Still, Israel should not take this decisive step just yet.

The New York Times

After 49 Qd4, Karpov took the decisive step and gave up.

The New York Times

Poroshenko called it a "first but very decisive step" to moving Ukraine closer to Europe.

The Guardian

The left welcomes it as a decisive step away from fossil fuels.

The Economist

Federica Mogherini, EU foreign policy chief, describes the deal as a "decisive step".

The Guardian

Mr. Djukanovic has moved gingerly toward declaring Montenegro independent, but not taken a decisive step.

The New York Times

"This is a decisive step towards one-man rule in Turkey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "decisive step" to emphasize the importance of a particular action in achieving a goal or resolving a problem. For example: "Implementing this new policy is a "decisive step" towards improving efficiency."

Common error

Avoid using "decisive step" for minor or inconsequential actions. Reserve it for situations where the action truly has a significant impact or represents a turning point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decisive step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an action or measure that is considered crucial or significant in achieving a desired outcome. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decisive step" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase, frequently employed to highlight the significance of a particular action in achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally used to describe a crucial action. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts, it conveys a sense of importance. When using "decisive step", it's important to ensure that the action truly warrants such emphasis. Alternatives like "critical action" or "pivotal move" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical action

Focuses on the importance of the action itself.

key measure

Highlights the action as a significant step in a process.

pivotal move

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the action.

crucial intervention

Suggests a necessary action to change a situation.

essential measure

Highlights action as indispensable or vital.

significant action

Underscores the importance and impact of the action taken.

momentous act

Highlights the historical or far-reaching consequences of the action.

determinative action

Action that conclusively determines an outcome.

defining moment

Emphasizes the point where something's nature is revealed or determined.

game-changing decision

Highlights a decision that fundamentally alters the course of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "decisive step" to describe an important action taken to achieve a goal. For example: "The company's investment in renewable energy was a "decisive step" towards sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "decisive step"?

Alternatives include "critical action", "key measure", or "pivotal move", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "decisive step" or "important step"?

"Decisive step" implies a greater impact and significance than "important step". Use "decisive step" when the action is truly crucial and transformative.

What's the difference between "decisive step" and "bold step"?

"Decisive step" emphasizes the impact and importance of the action, while "bold step" highlights the courage and risk involved in taking the action. Choose the phrase that best reflects the situation.