incremental steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"incremental steps" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means making progress or achieving something gradually through small, successive changes or actions. Example: "In order to reach our goal of becoming a more sustainable company, we must take incremental steps such as reducing our carbon footprint and implementing eco-friendly practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It proceeds in incremental steps".

The New York Times

We will take incremental steps.

The Guardian - Business

Every revival has its incremental steps forward.

The New York Times - Sports

He spoke instead of "incremental steps".

The New York Times

The prospects for small, incremental steps are actually quite good.

The New Yorker

But the panel said such incremental steps were inadequate.

The New York Times

Are these incremental steps having any material effect?

The Washington Post

The common theme here is small, incremental steps.

Harvard Business Review

John has made incremental steps toward self-sufficiency.

The New York Times

The time for haggling over incremental steps is long gone.

The New York Times

"Each of these incremental steps can end up breaking trust".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "incremental steps" when discussing complex challenges to suggest that solutions can be achieved through steady, manageable actions rather than immediate overhauls.

Common error

Avoid using "incremental steps" when referring to changes that are expected to have a significant or immediate impact. This phrase is best suited for describing gradual progress, not revolutionary transformations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incremental steps" functions as a noun phrase. It refers to the specific actions or stages involved in a gradual process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incremental steps" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a gradual approach to achieving a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. As evidenced by the examples provided, it is most often found in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. The phrase emphasizes a deliberate strategy of making progress in manageable stages. Related phrases include "gradual progress" and "step-by-step approach". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the scale and nature of the progress being described and remember that long-term results are the product of this step-wise and gradual process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step-by-step approach

Emphasizes the methodical nature of the process.

measured advancements

Emphasizes the careful and deliberate nature of the progress.

gradual progress

Focuses on the overall advancement rather than specific actions.

progressive development

Stresses the ongoing nature of the improvement.

successive stages

Highlights the sequence of distinct phases.

phased implementation

Highlights the planned and structured aspect of the progression.

evolutionary process

Focuses on the gradual, unfolding nature of change.

gradual adjustments

Suggests minor modifications over time.

small gains

Highlights the modest yet positive nature of the improvements.

piecemeal changes

Implies smaller, individual alterations.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "incremental steps" in a sentence?

Use "incremental steps" to describe a process where progress is made gradually over time through a series of small actions. For example, "The company achieved its goals through a series of "incremental steps"."

What are some alternatives to "incremental steps"?

You can use alternatives like "gradual progress", "step-by-step approach", or "phased implementation" depending on the context.

Is it better to take "incremental steps" or make radical changes?

The best approach depends on the situation. "Incremental steps" are suitable for long-term goals and minimizing disruption, while radical changes might be necessary for urgent or systemic problems. It is not always possible to substitute it for the latter.

How do "incremental steps" contribute to long-term success?

"Incremental steps" provide a structured and manageable way to approach complex tasks, allowing for continuous improvement and adaptation along the way. They ensure that progress is consistent and sustainable over time.