few steps sideways

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few steps sideways" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small lateral movement or adjustment, often in a physical or metaphorical context. Example: "To get a better view of the stage, I took a few steps sideways."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A few steps sideways and the geometric pattern shifted and lost its symmetry.

The Guardian - Arts

Weaver (14-5) was ejected in the seventh inning for throwing a pitch over Alex Avila's head, right after Carlos Guillen had posed at the plate and skipped a few steps sideways before running out a home run.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Another few steps.

The New Yorker

A few steps upstream.

The New York Times - Travel

A few steps away, an ivory low relief carved in the 17th century by Frans van Bossuit, who died in Amsterdam in 1692, depicts Saint Magdalene seen sideways head and shoulders.

The New York Times - Arts

She takes a few steps.

The New York Times

He took a few steps.

The New Yorker

She took a few steps.

The New York Times

Obsessions and fixations were as common as brilliant chains of reasoning, and every step forward seemed to be countered by two steps sideways and a half step back.

The New York Times - Science

She took a few steps back.

The New York Times

"Death is a few steps away.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few steps sideways" to describe minor adjustments or movements in a lateral direction, either literally or figuratively. For instance, when describing a dance move or a strategic shift in a project.

Common error

Avoid using "few steps sideways" when a more direct directional term like "to the left" or "to the right" would be clearer and more concise. Sideways implies a lateral displacement, not necessarily a specific destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few steps sideways" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which movement is performed. It indicates a lateral shift, as seen in Ludwig's examples from The Guardian and The New York Times.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few steps sideways" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as an adverbial phrase to describe a small lateral movement. As stated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. Although relatively rare in occurrence, it is readily understood across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it can be considered interchangeable with similar expressions like "a slight sidestep" or "a small lateral move", it's important to use it when a lateral movement is specifically intended and to avoid using it when a more direct directional term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight sidestep

Emphasizes the small and lateral nature of the movement, using 'sidestep'.

a small lateral move

Focuses on the lateral aspect of the movement, using 'move' instead of 'steps'.

a bit of a lateral adjustment

Focuses on the adjustment aspect of a lateral movement.

a minor shift to the side

Highlights the shifting aspect and direction of the movement.

a tiny sideways progression

Highlights the progressive nature of a small movement.

a small shuffle to the side

Suggests a less deliberate or graceful movement.

a little sideward motion

Emphasizes the motion and direction.

a nudge to the side

Emphasizes a gentle or subtle push in a lateral direction.

a scoot to the side

Suggests a quick and informal movement to the side.

a sideways scoot

Combines the sideways direction with a quick movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "few steps sideways" to describe a small lateral movement, for example, "To get a better view, I took a "few steps sideways"".

What are some alternatives to "few steps sideways"?

Some alternatives include "slight sidestep", "small lateral move", or "minor shift to the side", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a few steps sideway" instead of "few steps sideways"?

No, the correct form is "sideways", as it functions as an adverb describing the direction of the steps. "Sideway" is not typically used in this context.

What does "few steps sideways" imply in a metaphorical sense?

Metaphorically, "few steps sideways" can suggest a small adjustment or change in strategy or perspective, implying a shift without a major overhaul.