good step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"good step forward" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe some action taken as progress or improvement in a certain endeavor. For example, "My team took a good step forward when we implemented the new project management system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's taken a good step forward.

The New Yorker

This was a good step forward.

The Washington Post

"I think it's a good step forward," she said.

The Guardian - Tech

"But this is a good step forward for giving firms like us a chance to compete".

The New York Times

This can only be a good step forward for fans of boxing and other sports".

Independent

Zabaleta said: "It's important to win the first game, as it is a good step forward.

Independent

The American ambassador, by contrast, chose to praise the reforms overall as "a good step forward".

The Economist

Still, after a decade of negotiations, the agreement is a good step forward.

The New York Times

As a temporary measure, however, Mr. Holt's legislation is a good step forward.

The New York Times

While the new system will most likely have glitches, it will be a good step forward.

The New York Times

Froman said that while nobody considered the agreement complete, it is a good step forward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good step forward" to acknowledge incremental progress, especially when expectations are moderate or when overcoming significant obstacles.

Common error

Avoid using "good step forward" when describing a transformative change or breakthrough. Use stronger terms like "major breakthrough" or "paradigm shift" for more significant advancements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes a specific action or event as representing positive advancement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase implies that this action is a progress or improvement in a certain endeavor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good step forward" is a commonly used phrase that signifies positive progress or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Analysis shows its frequent use in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overstating its impact and to choose more appropriate alternatives when describing transformative changes. The phrase serves to acknowledge progress and encourage continued effort, making it a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Its suitability ranges from professional settings to informal conversations, maintaining a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Significant advancement

Indicates a greater degree of progress than a simple step.

Meaningful progress

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the progress made.

Positive development

Focuses on the positive aspect of the change, rather than the degree of advancement.

Progressive action

Highlights the innovative or forward-thinking nature of the step.

Constructive move

Emphasizes the building or improving nature of the action.

Forward momentum

Focuses on the continuation of progress rather than a single step.

Encouraging sign

Highlights the optimism associated with the action.

Improved situation

Highlights the resulting state after the progress, rather than the action itself.

Advantageous measure

Implies a benefit or advantage gained through the action.

A turn for the better

Suggests a change from a negative to a positive state.

FAQs

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

Use "good step forward" to describe an action or event that represents positive, though perhaps not revolutionary, progress. For example, "The new policy is a "good step forward" in addressing climate change".

What are some alternatives to saying "good step forward"?

You can use alternatives such as "positive development", "constructive move", or "significant advancement" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "good step forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "good step forward" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in contexts where you want to acknowledge progress without exaggerating its significance. It strikes a balance between optimism and realism.

When should I avoid using the phrase "good step forward"?

Avoid using "good step forward" when the progress is minimal or insignificant, as it might come across as insincere. Also, refrain from using it when describing truly revolutionary changes; opt for phrases that convey greater impact.