great first step

USAGE SUMMARY

"great first step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that someone has taken the first step in a process or journey, and it is impressive. For example: "Getting that promotion was a great first step to achieving your career goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The hiring of Mike Capellas was a great first step.

The New York Times

"He had a great first step," Alfieri said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We feel it's a great first step," Beattie said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is a great first step," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"I think it's a very good concept, a great first step," Alexander said.

The New York Times

"It's a great first step, but we've got a long way to go.

The New York Times

She takes credit for the House prescription drug bill, as a "great first step".

The New York Times

A binding community benefits agreement between community members and developers would be a great first step.

The Guardian

This law is a great first step in solving the crisis.

The New York Times

This is a great first step towards what we're trying to accomplish".

The Guardian - Sport

"While eliminating the siesta will not solve all of Spain's economic issues, it is a great first step," he wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great first step" to acknowledge an initial action that is commendable but needs further progress. Avoid overstating the achievement.

Common error

Avoid using "great first step" when the action is trivial or doesn't contribute significantly to the overall goal. Ensure the 'step' has a tangible positive impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great first step" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "step", indicating a positive and commendable initial action or stage. According to Ludwig, it's considered a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great first step" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to positively acknowledge an initial action or stage in a process. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and provides numerous real-world examples. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the 'step' is genuinely significant and avoid overstating its impact. Remember that alternatives like "promising start" or "excellent beginning" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising start

Focuses on the positive outlook the initial action provides.

excellent beginning

Emphasizes the high quality of the initial phase.

auspicious start

Suggests the beginning is favorable and likely to lead to success.

positive initial move

Highlights the favorable nature of the first action taken.

encouraging first sign

Indicates the initial action is a good indication of future progress.

significant first move

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the initial action.

noteworthy commencement

Highlights the significance and remarkableness of the beginning.

solid foundation

Highlights that the initial step creates a firm base for future endeavors.

valuable preliminary action

Focuses on the worth and importance of the initial step taken.

admirable first attempt

Highlights the praiseworthy nature of the initial effort, especially if it's a trial.

FAQs

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

You can use "great first step" to commend an initial action that's positive and promising. For example, "Implementing the new software was a "great first step" towards improving efficiency".

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

You can use alternatives like "promising start", "excellent beginning", or "auspicious start" depending on the context.

Is "great first step" formal or informal?

"Great first step" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly formal, it's professional enough for business settings and casual enough for everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "great first step" and "major breakthrough"?

"Great first step" acknowledges initial progress, while "major breakthrough" implies a significant advancement or discovery. Use "great first step" for early stages and "major breakthrough" for more substantial achievements.