great step towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"great step towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a significant action or event that helps further the progress of a certain goal. For example, you could say, "This new initiative is a great step towards reducing poverty in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Rather than devaluing an institution, it would be a great step towards creating the kind of society which values inclusion and solidarity, instead of division, prejudice and exclusion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The ultimate test is, look up, is there a ceiling?" says Bond. "Being outside is the first great step towards connecting with nature.

The Guardian

His 1943 painting Mural, commissioned for Peggy Guggenheim's townhouse on East 61st Street in Manhattan, is generally accepted as the first great step towards the new painterly vision.

The Guardian - Arts

However, I do not see the prospect of men becoming as frightened as I have been about their fertility as any great step towards equality.

The Guardian - Opinion

Carlos Holguín, the interior minister, said they were a "great step" towards learning the truth about paramilitary domination of large swathes of the country.

The Economist

Alex on www.blic.co.yu "Thank you... Finally, this is a great step towards Europe and final justice for the criminals, there's only Mladic left".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Cruise control was one of the first great steps towards the self-driving car, but active cruise control takes the system to the next level.

The Guardian - Tech

"It would be very, very important for us to get a trophy this season and I think we have taken great steps towards the future by the way we have embraced this competition.

Independent

Presently, the greatest step towards improved treatment efficacy has been made in the field of palliative chemotherapy by introducing FOLFIRINOX (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan and oxaliplatin) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel.

Pancreatology

For consumers themselves to start thinking as proactively about their investments as they do about their purchases is perhaps the greatest step towards becoming a more long-term economy.

Huffington Post

The risks in that were made plain this month when RAI's main evening news bulletin failed to show the notorious incident when Mr Berlusconi insulted a German member of the European Parliament.To his followers, the communications bill is a big step towards greater competition and diversity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context. While generally positive, ensure the phrase aligns with the overall message and isn't used sarcastically or inappropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "great step towards" for insignificant or routine actions. Reserving it for genuine breakthroughs maintains its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great step towards" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to highlight and commend a particular action or decision that significantly contributes to the advancement of a specific goal. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, this phrase effectively emphasizes the importance of the described action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great step towards" is a commonly used phrase to acknowledge and emphasize significant progress toward a particular goal. As Ludwig AI suggests, its grammatical correctness is confirmed, with consistent usage across various contexts, primarily in news, scientific, and general informational domains. The phrase is typically used to express approval and encourage continued effort. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it is crucial to reserve its use for actions that represent genuine breakthroughs to maintain its intended impact. Alternatives like "significant stride toward" or "major advancement toward" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Understanding these aspects of the phrase’s usage can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant stride toward

Emphasizes the distance covered in the progress.

major advancement toward

Highlights the progressive nature of the change.

substantial leap toward

Implies a significant change or transformation.

considerable progress in

Focuses on the overall advancement made.

noticeable improvement regarding

Indicates a readily apparent positive change.

important milestone towards

Highlights the achievement of a significant goal.

key development in

Emphasizes the role of a critical element in the progress.

critical move to

Implies a change that is important or essential for reaching something.

fundamental shift toward

Emphasizes the core of the progress and transformation

breakthrough in the pursuit of

Underlines the importance of a major accomplishment.

FAQs

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

Use "great step towards" to describe a significant action or event that contributes positively to a larger objective. For example, "The new policy is a "great step towards" environmental sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "great step towards"?

Alternatives include "significant stride toward", "major advancement toward", or "substantial leap toward", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great step towards" in formal writing?

Yes, "great step towards" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when acknowledging substantial progress. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall context of your writing.

What's the difference between "great step towards" and "small step towards"?

"Great step towards" implies a more significant advancement, while "small step towards" indicates minor progress. Use the former when the action has a substantial impact and the latter for incremental improvements.