good first step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good first step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a successful initial action or stage in a process. For example, "Taking the time to research the job position was a good first step towards landing the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That would be a good first step.

The New York Times

"This is a good first step.

The New York Times

"It's a good first step.

The New York Times

CPS is a good first step.

Columbia University

So it's a good first step".

The Guardian - Sport

Ostracism would be a good first step.

The New York Times

"I think it's a good first step".

The New York Times - Sports

It's just a good first step".

The Guardian - Music

"The $100m is a good first step.

The Guardian

But it's a pretty good first step".

The New York Times

He calls it a "good first step".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "good first step", specify what makes it 'good'. Adding context clarifies its value and purpose.

Common error

Avoid treating the "good first step" as a complete solution. It's crucial to acknowledge that further effort is typically required to achieve the desired outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good first step" functions as a commendatory expression, typically used to positively acknowledge an initial action or measure. Ludwig shows it's often used to suggest progress, though further action is expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good first step" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that acknowledges an initial positive action. As shown by Ludwig, it's versatile across various contexts, notably in news, academia, and business. It serves to encourage further effort while recognizing initial progress. Remember to contextualize its value and acknowledge the need for subsequent actions. Alternatives like "promising start" or "significant initial step" can offer variety. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving as a testament to its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant initial step

Highlights the importance or impact of the first step.

promising start

Focuses on the positive beginning or initial stage.

positive initial move

Highlights the advantageous aspect of the first action taken.

encouraging early sign

Suggests that the initial action is a hopeful indication of future progress.

reasonable starting point

Suggests that it is a logical and appropriate beginning.

auspicious beginning

Emphasizes the favorable or successful nature of the initial action.

decent initial effort

Highlights a reasonable initial attempt.

constructive initial action

Focuses on how the initial action builds towards a larger goal.

worthwhile first move

Emphasizes that the initial step is valuable or beneficial.

valuable preliminary measure

Underscores the importance of the initial step as a preparatory action.

FAQs

What does "good first step" mean?

The phrase "good first step" means a positive initial action or measure taken towards achieving a goal. It acknowledges that while it's a start, further action is likely needed.

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

You can use it to describe an action that is a positive start but requires further action, for instance: "Implementing the new policy is a "good first step", but we need to monitor its effectiveness carefully."

What can I say instead of "good first step"?

You can use alternatives like "promising start", "positive initial move", or "significant initial step" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "good first step" in formal writing?

Yes, "good first step" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "significant initial step" or "valuable preliminary measure" to add gravitas to your writing.