define next steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define next steps" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing plans or actions to be taken after a meeting or decision. For example, "After our discussion, let's define next steps to move forward." Alternative expressions include "outline next steps" and "determine next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To kick this effort off, the city is planning an event for February 24 and 25 "to help the City redefine taxi access and help us define next steps".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Though the German telephone giant has amassed a war chest several times that size for acquisitions, the purchase would force it to define its next steps more precisely than it has so far.

The New York Times

Overcoming these challenges will likely define the next steps in cancer drug development directed at EMTs.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

He's going to ask about Egypt! Baker says that things are "moving tentatively in the right direction" and agrees with Kerry that the need is to clearly define the next steps of the process, and rather than stepping down, Mubarak has to be clear about the role he is playing in the transition.

Huffington Post

Commenting in a statement, EE's principal network architect, Professor Andy Sutton, noted that 4G provides a "foundation" for 5G, and added: "We're investing in 5G so that we can define the next step, and keep both us and the U.K. mobile industry one step ahead".

TechCrunch

Provided the MTDC system architecture is well defined, the next step is to clearly establish objectives, primary functions, and operational procedures and, critically, identifying feasible interactions between AC and DC systems.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

With your True North defined, the next step is to find your audience and your opportunity.

Huffington Post

Once the neighboring relations are defined the next step is to connect neighbors by abstract springs.

Plosone

As these and other components of the glycosylation apparatus are defined, the next step involves the detailed biochemical dissection of their contribution to N-glycosylation and to cell surface properties.

Fungal Genetics and Biology

Once the model data structure has been exported to Matlab and the model and propensity functions have been defined, the next step is to let URDME execute a simulation of the model.

BMC Systems Biology

The data also define the critical next steps in pursuit of a robust method of viral fingerprinting, namely, overcoming the challenges imposed by a complex and dynamic sample matrix.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define next steps", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the current situation or decision is, so the subsequent steps are logically connected.

Common error

Avoid using "define next steps" without clearly specifying the situation or goal. This can lead to confusion about what those steps should achieve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define next steps" functions as a directive, prompting the identification and planning of subsequent actions. As shown by Ludwig, this often follows a discussion or decision, setting the stage for future progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define next steps" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for outlining subsequent actions after a decision or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from professional to general discussions. While appropriate in numerous settings, clarity in defining the context is crucial to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "determine subsequent steps" or "establish future actions" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. Overall, "define next steps" is a valuable phrase for promoting clarity and direction in planning and decision-making processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine subsequent steps

Replaces 'define' with 'determine' and 'next' with 'subsequent', emphasizing the act of figuring out the following actions.

establish future actions

Uses 'establish' instead of 'define' and replaces 'steps' with 'actions', focusing on setting up the actions for the future.

outline the following course of action

Offers a more detailed and formal alternative, emphasizing a planned sequence of events.

map out the next phase

Replaces 'steps' with 'phase', suggesting a broader stage or period, and 'map out' for 'define', implying planning.

plan upcoming procedures

Focuses on planning, using 'upcoming procedures' instead of 'next steps', suggesting a more formal or medical context.

decide on ensuing actions

Emphasizes the decision-making aspect, using 'ensuing' to indicate actions that directly follow.

formulate future measures

A more formal and structured phrasing, suitable for official or business contexts.

set out the next moves

Emphasizes strategic planning and actions, replacing 'steps' with 'moves'.

arrange the subsequent activities

Focuses on arrangement and organization, often used in project management or event planning.

lay out the plan of action

Implies a comprehensive and detailed plan, more structured than just identifying steps.

FAQs

How can I use "define next steps" in a sentence?

You can use "define next steps" to discuss outlining future actions after a decision or meeting. For example, "After the meeting, we need to define next steps to ensure the project stays on track."

What does "define next steps" mean?

"Define next steps" means to identify and plan the subsequent actions that need to be taken to achieve a goal or follow up on a decision.

What are some alternatives to "define next steps"?

Alternatives to "define next steps" include "determine subsequent steps", "establish future actions", or "outline the following course of action".

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "define next steps"?

"Define next steps" is suitable in professional, academic, and general contexts where planning and forward action are required. It's commonly used in project management, strategic planning, and everyday decision-making.