great step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"great step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a way to describe a significant improvement or accomplishment. For example, "The launch of the new product marked a great step forward in the company's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But "it is a great step forward.

The New York Times

"I thought it was a great step forward".

The New Yorker

"That was actually a great step forward for me.

The New York Times

That is a great step forward for our country.

The New York Times

Yet it too is a great step forward.

The Guardian

"I love it; it's a great step forward.

The Guardian - Travel

The pledges that followed COP21 are a great step forward.

Nature

"It certainly seems like a great step forward," he said.

The New York Times

"We made a great step forward," Spain's coach, Vicente del Bosque, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't get me wrong: the new law is a great step forward.

The New York Times

"We thought it is a great step forward," said Mr. Shagoo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great step forward" to positively emphasize a significant advancement or achievement. Be sure the context clearly indicates what the progress is related to.

Common error

Avoid using "great step forward" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the progress made to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great step forward" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used predicatively or as an appositive to describe an event, action, or policy that represents significant progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression for indicating improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great step forward" is a commonly used phrase to describe a significant positive advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. It's found most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines the area of progress and to vary language in your writing by considering alternatives like "significant advancement" or "major breakthrough" to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningful leap forward

Highlights a substantial advancement with significance.

significant advancement

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the progress made.

major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and significant discovery or achievement.

substantial progress

Focuses on the degree and amount of progress achieved.

giant leap

Implies a dramatic and considerable advancement.

notable improvement

Highlights that something has gotten better and is worth paying attention to.

positive development

Focuses on the favorable nature and direction of the change.

remarkable stride

Suggests a long and purposeful movement forward.

radical shift

Highlights that something changed in a deep and fundamental way.

momentous leap

Emphasizes a great or far-reaching importance or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "great step forward" to describe a significant advancement or improvement in a particular area. For example, "The new policy is a "great step forward" in environmental conservation."

What are some alternatives to "great step forward"?

Alternatives to "great step forward" include "significant advancement", "major breakthrough", or "substantial progress", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "great step forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "great step forward" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig shows that it is used in news, business, and academic contexts. However, consider using more precise language if greater specificity is needed.

What makes "great step forward" different from "good step forward"?

"Great step forward" implies a more significant and impactful advancement than "good step forward". Using "great" emphasizes the magnitude and importance of the progress.