in small steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"in small steps" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used as a metaphor to describe making slow but steady progress toward a goal. For example, "With dedication and patience, I was able to complete my project in small steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its development, which he likes to take "in small steps," matches his own.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Obama may proceed in small steps.

The Economist

Initially, success came in small steps.

The New York Times

He is proceeding in small steps.

The Economist

We walk in small steps, we make small gestures.

The New York Times - Arts

Steinbrenner, on the other hand, doesn't think in small steps.

The New York Times - Sports

Progress towards workplace equality for women comes in small steps.

The Economist

CHINA likes to cover large distances in small steps.

The Economist

People like Anastasia usually get into the scene on their own in small steps.

The Guardian - Film

Now, in small steps like the one in Switzerland, the transition is gaining momentum.

The New York Times

Progress in Small Steps While the violence has declined, sectarian rifts still have not healed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a complex project, break it down into smaller tasks to encourage a sense of achievement and maintain momentum. This approach allows you to proceed "in small steps", making the overall goal less daunting.

Common error

Avoid using "in small steps" to describe situations where progress is rapid or transformative. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where change is incremental and deliberate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in small steps" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its metaphorical application to denote slow but steady advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in small steps" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to convey the idea of gradual progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the diverse examples show its application across various fields, from news and science to general writing. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the incremental nature of the process and ensure it aligns with the context of your writing. While versatile, it is best suited for scenarios where change is deliberate and steady, rather than rapid or transformative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step by step

Highlights a methodical, ordered approach to progress.

incrementally

Adverb instead of a prepositional phrase, focusing on the manner of progression.

gradually

Adverb indicating a slow and steady progression, similar to "in small steps".

bit by bit

Emphasizes the individual, small increments of progress.

little by little

Similar to "bit by bit", highlighting the cumulative effect of small actions.

in stages

Focuses on the process being divided into distinct phases.

with baby steps

Informal, emphasizing caution and ease of progression.

by degrees

Implies a very slow and subtle progression.

in measured increments

Focuses on controlled and deliberate progress.

in a series of stages

More verbose, emphasizing the sequential nature of the steps.

FAQs

How can I use "in small steps" in a sentence?

You can use "in small steps" to describe a gradual process of change or improvement, such as "The company is implementing the new policy "in small steps" to minimize disruption".

What are some alternatives to "in small steps"?

Alternatives to "in small steps" include "gradually", "incrementally", and "step by step", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to proceed quickly or "in small steps"?

The best approach depends on the context. Proceeding "in small steps" is often preferable when dealing with complex or sensitive issues, while a quicker pace may be suitable for straightforward tasks.

What's the difference between "in small steps" and "in one giant leap"?

"In small steps" describes a gradual, incremental process, while "in one giant leap" signifies a sudden, significant advancement. They represent opposite approaches to achieving a goal.