few steps further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few steps further" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small additional distance or effort needed to reach a goal or destination. Example: "If you walk a few steps further, you'll find the entrance to the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Technology

Wiki

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a few steps further on he discovers a mushroom the size and shape of a toasted tea cake.

The Guardian

Gradually, he dissolves out of the frame and, almost instantly, dissolves back in a few steps further along.

The New York Times

Curb Media, a London-based "natural media" company, takes the idea of paperless promotion a few steps further.

The New York Times

A few steps further down, the street opens out into a square, revealing the convent that inspired the cakes.

Independent

But a range of new products is expected early in 2002 that will take matters a few steps further.

The Economist

"Rain" takes painting a few steps further into abstraction than Turner's boldest seascapes at the end of his life.

The New York Times - Arts

This summit declaration went a few steps further than the statement agreed on after the last meeting of Arab heads of state, in 1996.

The New York Times

Mr. Davis took the criticism of Mr. Obama a few steps further, likening his slogan for change to the pitch of a "snake oil salesman".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fellow RCA graduate Frank Kolkman has taken the DIY approach a few alarming steps further with a speculative project that imagines a future of robotic keyhole surgery in the home.

The Guardian - Arts

But the Senate reform package goes a few U.S.D.A.-like steps further.

The New Yorker

Though niche marketing, tailoring products to narrow slivers of the general public, is not new, the decision was made to take the practice a few giant, giant steps further.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few steps further" to describe incremental progress in a process, journey, or argument. It provides a sense of manageable advancement.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language if specific distances or advancements are crucial to the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few steps further" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating movement, progress, or advancement. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe both literal physical steps and figurative steps in a process or argument.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

8%

Arts

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few steps further" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates a small degree of advancement or progress, according to Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, media, and general conversation. While its register is generally neutral, it is best to consider the specific context of your writing and choose more precise language when necessary for formal or technical documents. Remember to use it to convey manageable and achievable progressions, adding clarity and direction to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a little further

Indicates a slightly shorter distance or degree of advancement.

a bit further

Similar to 'a little further', implying a small increment in distance or progress.

slightly further

Emphasizes the small degree of additional distance or progress.

a short distance ahead

Focuses on the proximity of the advancement.

a small way further

Highlights the modest nature of the progress.

a few paces onward

Uses 'paces' to specify the short distance, suggesting walking.

some steps ahead

Emphasizes movement and direction, focusing on the 'ahead' aspect.

just beyond

Indicates that the destination or progress is immediately past a certain point.

a stone's throw further

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a very short distance.

within easy reach

Focuses on the accessibility of the next step or goal.

FAQs

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

You can use "few steps further" to indicate a small advancement in distance or progress. For example, "If you continue "a few steps further", you'll see the entrance" or "The company took the idea "a few steps further" by implementing new technologies".

What are some alternatives to "few steps further"?

Alternatives include "a little further", "slightly further", or "a bit further", depending on the context and the degree of advancement you want to convey.

Is it always literal when we use "few steps further"?

No, "few steps further" can be used both literally to describe physical movement and figuratively to describe progress in an idea, project, or discussion. Its usage depends on context.

How does "few steps further" differ from "many steps further"?

"Few steps further" indicates a short, manageable progression, while "many steps further" implies a significant, more extensive advancement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the progress being described.