in the first step

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the first step" is correct and usable in written English and is generally used when you want to discuss a process in order.
For example: "In the first step of this science experiment, we will mix the two solutions together."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the first step, sulfur is evaporated.

Combustion and Flame

In the first step we nonparametrically estimate the production function.

Harvard University

In the first step, the top cycle is optimized.

Energy

In the first step, current practices were surveyed and analyzed.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

In the first step different flow sheets are generated.

Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering

In the first step, different process variants are generated.

Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification

In the first step, the KAIST coupling scheme was proposed.

Desalination

In the first step, the resonance frequencies are calculated.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In the first step, the selected explanatory variables are predicted.

Electric Power Systems Research

In the first step, odor molecules compete for the same binding site of an olfactory receptor.

Harvard University

Here, we want to enforce the priority values computed in the first step.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a multi-stage process, use "in the first step" to clearly indicate the initial action. This helps guide your reader through the sequence logically.

Common error

Avoid using "in the first step" when describing a single, isolated action. This phrase implies a sequence, so ensure there are subsequent steps to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the first step" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the sequence or order of an action within a process. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the first step" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce the initial action within a sequence or process. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across scientific, academic, and news contexts, which signals its broad applicability. When using "in the first step", ensure that there are subsequent actions in order, that is to say, to maintain logical flow and clarity. Alternatives such as "firstly" or "to begin with" can provide variations, but it's important to maintain the intended emphasis on sequential order. Remembering these guidelines will help you effectively and accurately communicate multi-stage procedures in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firstly

Highlights the start within a list, it is an adverb of order that simply indicates the first item.

as a first measure

Implies taking an action as an initial step in a series of actions, with a sense of precaution or planning.

the first action

Focuses on the action being the first, rather than a step in a process. It's more direct and highlights the initiation.

initially

Focuses on the action being at the beginning, rather than a step in a process. It's an adverb that emphasizes the start of something.

at the outset

Emphasizes the beginning or start of a process or activity. It’s more formal than "in the first step".

to begin with

Highlights the starting point, differing in that it indicates a reason or order of importance.

the preliminary stage

Focuses on the early phase, with a shift towards a stage rather than an action within a process.

the opening move

Implies a strategic or planned start, especially in situations involving tactics or competition.

at the starting point

Focuses on the location or position from where something starts, changing the context slightly.

in the beginning

Broader and more general, referring to the very start of something, rather than a specific step in a process.

FAQs

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

Use "in the first step" to introduce the initial action in a sequence or process, such as, "In the first step, gather all the necessary materials."

What's the difference between "in the first step" and "initially"?

"In the first step" implies a sequence of actions, while "initially" /s/initially simply means at the beginning without necessarily suggesting further steps.

Which is correct, "in the first step" or "at the first step"?

"In the first step" is generally preferred when referring to an action within a process. "At the first step" is less common but could be used when describing a location or position in a process.

What can I say instead of "in the first step"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin with" /s/to+begin+with or "firstly" /s/firstly to introduce the initial action or point in a sequence.