important first step

USAGE SUMMARY

"important first step" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a key or necessary initial action or concept in a process or plan. Example: "Before starting a fitness routine, it is important to consult with a doctor. This is an important first step in ensuring your safety and setting realistic goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is an important first step.

The Economist

This represents an important first step.

The New York Times

That is an important first step.

The New York Times

This report is an important first step".

The New York Times

This exhibition is an important first step.

The New York Times

This is, however, an important first step".

The New York Times

That's the most important first step.

Stanford University

I applaud this very important first step.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And that's an important first step.

Harvard Business Review

Yagudin has taken an important first step.

The New York Times - Sports

Naming them is an important first step.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "important first step", ensure the context clearly indicates what subsequent steps should follow. Providing clarity prevents ambiguity and reinforces the significance of the initial action.

Common error

Avoid using "important first step" for actions that have minimal impact or are merely procedural. Reserve it for actions that genuinely pave the way for substantial progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "important first step" functions as a noun phrase that serves as a subject complement or object. It identifies an initial action or measure that is deemed significant for future progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "important first step" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that signifies a crucial initial action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is applicable across diverse contexts, including news, academia, science, and business. While alternatives like "essential initial step" or "crucial preliminary action" exist, "important first step" remains a versatile and widely understood way to highlight the significance of beginnings. When using this phrase, clarity about subsequent steps enhances its impact, and it should be reserved for actions with genuine potential for progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential initial step

Replaces "first" with "initial" and "important" with "essential", emphasizing the fundamental and necessary nature of the action.

crucial preliminary action

Substitutes "step" with "action" and "important" with "crucial", highlighting the critical and decisive nature of the initial undertaking. "First" is replaced with "preliminary", adding formal tone.

vital starting point

Replaces "step" with "starting point" and "important" with "vital", stressing the necessity and foundational aspect of the beginning.

significant initial move

Changes "step" to "move" and "important" to "significant", indicating a notable action at the beginning.

key introductory measure

Replaces "step" with "measure" and "first" with "introductory", suggesting an initial action of considerable importance.

foundational primary action

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect using "foundational" and substitutes "first" with "primary", highlighting the initial and essential nature of the action.

critical preliminary phase

Replaces "step" with "phase" and "important" with "critical", emphasizing the importance of the preliminary stage.

essential foundational element

Uses "element" instead of "step" and emphasizes the core necessity and basis with "essential foundational".

noteworthy opening gambit

Substitutes "step" with "gambit" and "important" with "noteworthy", indicating a strategic and significant initial move.

principal initial undertaking

Changes "step" to "undertaking" and "important" to "principal", highlighting the primary and fundamental nature of the initial action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "important first step" is used to describe an initial action that is crucial for future progress. For example, "Consulting with a financial advisor is an "important first step" in planning your retirement."

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

You can use alternatives like "essential initial step", "crucial preliminary action", or "vital starting point" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "very important first step"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "very important first step" can sometimes be redundant. The phrase "important first step" already implies significance, so adding "very" might not be necessary. Consider the context to decide if the added emphasis is warranted or if a stronger alternative like "crucial preliminary action" is more appropriate.

What's the difference between "important first step" and "next steps"?

"Important first step" refers to the initial action needed to begin a process, while "next steps" refers to the subsequent actions that follow. The first sets the stage, and the second builds upon it.