few steps forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few steps forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe making progress or advancements in a particular situation or context. Example: "After months of hard work, we finally made a few steps forward in our project development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"We have taken quite a few steps forward".

The New York Times

Taking a few steps forward, I whispered in Tahir's ear.

The New York Times

I lifted her up and took a few steps forward.

The New Yorker

But with a few steps forward, a momentary embarrassing setback was inevitable.

The New York Times - Sports

Reinhardt took a few steps forward, bobbing his head paternally at everyone.

The New Yorker

It was a fake, but it drew cornerback Aaron Glenn to take a few steps forward.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And so we take a few more steps forward, take a few steps back and keep walking.

TechCrunch

She staggered backward a few steps, then forward to where she started, and thank God in heaven she was healed of whatever her affliction had been.

Vice

This year there was a feeling that we are a few steps further forward in understanding 'missing heritability' and that we may soon be able to explain this mystery in scientific terms.

Genome Medicine

There have been a few halting steps forward.

The New York Times

"Shawnie!" A few more steps forward and Robert foundered in mud.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few steps forward" to describe tangible but limited advancements in projects, initiatives, or personal development. It conveys a sense of realistic progress without exaggerating the scale of achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "few steps forward" when describing major breakthroughs or substantial progress. This phrase is best suited for incremental improvements, and overusing it can diminish the impact of genuine successes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few steps forward" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies making progress or advancements, as evidenced by examples found on Ludwig. It reflects a positive change, though limited in scope.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few steps forward" is a commonly used expression to denote making modest progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media, as well as general discussions. Related alternatives include "slight progress" or "minor advancement". When using this phrase, remember to accurately reflect the scale of progress and avoid overstating achievements. Utilizing "few steps forward" effectively communicates realistic advancements in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight progress

Focuses on the degree of advancement made.

minor advancement

Emphasizes the improvement, though small.

small strides

Uses a different metaphor to indicate forward movement.

gradual improvement

Highlights the incremental nature of the progress.

modest gains

Stresses the positive outcome achieved.

incremental development

Focuses on the process of growth.

limited headway

Indicates restricted progress.

partial success

Highlights the incomplete nature of the achievement.

measured improvement

Implies careful and deliberate advancement.

a degree of progress

Emphasizes that some progress has occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "few steps forward" in a sentence?

You can use "few steps forward" to describe making modest progress towards a goal. For example: "After the new policy was implemented, the company took a "few steps forward" in environmental responsibility."

What can I say instead of "few steps forward"?

You can use alternatives like "slight progress", "minor advancement", or "small strides" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "few steps forward" or "a few steps forward"?

Both "few steps forward" and "a few steps forward" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on the desired emphasis or rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "few steps forward" and "major breakthrough"?

"Few steps forward" implies incremental progress, while "major breakthrough" signifies a significant and sudden advancement. Use "major breakthrough" when there's been a substantial leap in progress, and ""few steps forward"" when progress is gradual and limited.