first step towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"first step towards" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you might say, "This new policy is a first step towards tackling the problem of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first step towards mutual cooperation is to listen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To acquiesce in evil is the first step towards fascism.

The Guardian

Activists hope it is the first step towards transformation.

The Guardian

Logging is often the first step towards deforestation.

The Guardian

"But this was a first step towards that goal".

The New York Times - Sports

It could be a small first step towards planetary intelligence.

The Guardian - Books

This was a first step towards an improved political climate.

The Guardian

This would be a first step towards abolishing nuclear weapons".

The Guardian

That's the first step towards being susceptible to the FBI".

The Guardian - Tech

The Synthetic GLBD is a first step towards that goal.

Cornell University

This is a first step towards automatic thesaurus acquisition.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first step towards", clearly articulate the ultimate goal or outcome. This provides context and emphasizes the significance of the initial action.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the "first step". While it's important, ensure your writing acknowledges that further actions are necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first step towards" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating an initial action that is part of a process or strategy leading to a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and correctly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

32%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first step towards" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies an initial action contributing to a larger goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various domains. The phrase is commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its versatility. While alternative phrases like "initial move toward" or "preliminary measure for" exist, they offer subtle differences in emphasis. When using "first step towards", ensure that the ultimate goal is clear and avoid overstating the impact of this initial action. Overall, it's a reliable and effective way to introduce the commencement of a process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial move toward

Replaces "step" with "move", emphasizing the action taken, maintaining a high degree of semantic equivalence.

preliminary measure for

Substitutes "first step" with "preliminary measure", highlighting the preparatory nature of the action.

starting point for

Focuses on the beginning aspect, suggesting the origin of progress.

incipient phase of

Replaces "first step" with "incipient phase", using more formal language to denote the early stage.

opening gambit in

Implies a strategic beginning, often used in contexts involving negotiation or competition.

groundwork for

Emphasizes the preparatory work laid down for future development.

early stage in

Highlights the temporal aspect, focusing on the beginning of a process.

gateway to

Suggests that this action serves as an entrance or passage to something else.

basis for

Emphasizes that it's the foundation on which further progress will be built.

dawn of

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate the beginning or emergence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "first step towards" in a sentence?

You can use "first step towards" to indicate an initial action that contributes to a larger goal. For example, "Adopting this new technology is the "first step towards" improving efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "first step towards"?

Alternatives include "initial move toward", "preliminary measure for", or "starting point for", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "very first step towards"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "very first step towards" can be redundant. The phrase "first step" already implies the beginning, so adding "very" may not be necessary unless you want to emphasize the initial nature of the action.

What's the difference between "first step towards" and "key step towards"?

"First step towards" indicates the initial action in a process, while "key step towards" suggests a particularly important action that significantly contributes to the final goal. The "key step" might not necessarily be the first action taken.