discrete steps

USAGE SUMMARY

'discrete steps' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to individual stages or steps that are part of a larger process. For example: "To complete the project, we need to break it down into discrete steps and complete them one by one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WInh a set of numerical examples, we DDMCnstrate that our imparticlesMC metake is accurate andiscreteovide efficiency gainstepsseveral orders of magnitude over standard Monte Carlo.

Journal of Computational Physics

The egg-based vaccine depends on six discrete steps, and takes at least six months, or longer, to produce.

The New Yorker

While it is already fading into a single seamless blur, the Supreme Court's involvement in the election proceeded in a series of discrete steps.

The New York Times

Instead, it's a kind of pumpkin-fringed Zumba routine, a series of discrete steps at which even that guy from accounts can probably take a half-decent stab.

The Guardian

Work proceeds in linear, discrete steps.

Science Magazine

The influence propagation runs in discrete steps.

Computational Social Networks

ISV formation is thought to occur in discrete steps.

Developmental Biology

That requires several discrete steps, each of which has its own complications.

BBC

Notice the discrete steps of 1 to 7 in the shot scales.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

The fundamental character of the digital computer is that it computes answers at discrete steps.

Advances in Difference Equations

As shown in Figure 7a, this image simulates a gradient profile comprising 16 discrete steps.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a process, use "discrete steps" to clearly delineate each stage, making it easier for your audience to follow. For instance, "The scientific method involves several "discrete steps", including observation, hypothesis formation, and experimentation."

Common error

Avoid using "discrete steps" when you mean "discreet steps". "Discrete" refers to separate and distinct elements, while "discreet" means subtle or cautious. Make sure you are choosing the word that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discrete steps" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement in a sentence. It identifies a series of separate and distinct actions or stages within a larger process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "discrete steps" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe a process broken down into separate, distinct actions or stages. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usage is widely accepted. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, it serves to clarify and structure processes, often appearing in professional or neutral registers. While the phrase is straightforward, be sure not to confuse "discrete" with "discreet". Considering alternative phrases such as "individual stages" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual stages

This alternative focuses on the individual and distinct nature of each stage.

separate stages

This emphasizes the distinct separation between the stages.

distinct phases

This uses "phases" as a synonym for "steps", highlighting their distinct character.

individual actions

This highlights the actions involved rather than the progression of steps.

specific actions

This emphasizes the specificity of each action.

incremental stages

This stresses the gradual, step-by-step nature of the progression.

sequential actions

This alternative emphasizes the ordered sequence of actions.

defined stages

This phrase suggests that the stages are well-defined and clear.

specific procedures

This focuses on the structured nature of the actions taken.

particular operations

This highlights the individual tasks or operations within a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "discrete steps" to describe a process broken down into separate, distinct stages. For example, "The project was completed by following a series of "discrete steps".

What are some alternatives to "discrete steps"?

Alternatives include "individual stages", "separate stages", or "distinct phases", depending on the context.

Is "discrete steps" formal or informal language?

"Discrete steps" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "discrete steps" and "continuous process"?

"Discrete steps" refer to individual, separate actions, while a "continuous process" involves ongoing, unbroken activity without clear divisions.