first steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"first steps" is correct and usable in written English.
In English, "first steps" is often used to refer to the beginning of a process or journey. For example: "Taking the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle can be daunting, but once you get started you'll be glad you did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

("First Steps").

The Guardian - Opinion

First words, first steps.

The New York Times

These are good first steps".

Independent

His first steps were faltering.

The New York Times - Food

These are useful first steps.

The New York Times

My generation will see the first steps".

The New Yorker

It's one of the first steps".

The New York Times - Science

These are just the first steps.

The New York Times

These are first steps, and encouraging ones.

The New York Times

But I did get her first steps.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

First Steps…Maldives: A Giant Leap for Mankind!

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first steps", consider the audience and context. For formal settings, "initial phase" or "preliminary actions" might be more appropriate. In contrast, for informal settings, "baby steps" could be the way to go.

Common error

Avoid using "first steps" as a filler phrase without specifying the actual actions involved. Instead of saying 'The first steps were taken', specify what those steps were: 'The first steps involved conducting a thorough assessment'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically refers to the initial actions or measures taken to begin a process or achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, highlighting its role in denoting the start of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

6%

EU Parlament

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first steps" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the beginning of a process or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various contexts, with a slight leaning towards informal usage. While it is frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business settings, users should be mindful of selecting more formal alternatives, such as "initial measures", for highly professional or academic writing. The key is to ensure that the phrase is not used vaguely but rather specifies the actions involved to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baby steps

Indicates small, tentative beginnings.

starting point

Indicates the place or time from which something begins.

outset

Refers to the very beginning of something.

early stages

Highlights the initial period of development.

initial phase

Focuses on the beginning stage of a process.

groundwork

Implies preparatory work before the main activity.

preliminary actions

Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the first actions.

incipient stage

Implies that something is just beginning to exist or appear.

commencement

A more formal term for beginning or start.

dawn of

Suggests the beginning of an era or period.

FAQs

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

You can use "first steps" to describe the beginning of a process, like in "These are the "appropriate first steps"." or "What were the "first steps you took"?"

What are some synonyms for "first steps"?

Alternatives to "first steps" include phrases such as "initial phase", "early stages", or "preliminary actions", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "baby steps" instead of "first steps"?

"Baby steps" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the gradual and tentative nature of the beginning. It suggests a slow and careful approach, whereas "first steps" is a more general term.

Is "first steps" too informal for professional writing?

While "first steps" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "initial measures" or "preliminary actions" might be preferred in highly professional or academic contexts.