intermediary step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'intermediary step' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a step that is between two other steps, such as a step in a process or a step in a journey. For example, you could say: In order to accomplish my goal, I needed to take an intermediary step of gathering the necessary information.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Both improved, and eventually learned to make do without the intermediary step.

The New York Times

She also dismissed the idea that children need an intermediary step toward unrestricted online networking.

The New York Times

Perhaps other companies will follow the Warner Brothers example, if only as an intermediary step toward the wide implementation of video on demand.

The New York Times

Indulging him by putting him in charge without an intermediary step would be an unnecessary risk for the team and possibly a disservice to Kidd.

The New York Times - Sports

What this meant to the doctors was that Johnny was skipping the intermediary step of imagining moving a part of his body; now he thought simply about moving the cursor, and it moved.

The New York Times - Magazine

On Sunday night, while describing the result as a "rendezvous with history", Hofer made clear that he regarded the result as an "intermediary step" on the way to a wider challenge to Austria's political system.

The Guardian

"I think Lou is realistically saying, that's a long way off, but if he did run for office there'd have to be an intermediary step, such as the Menendez seat," said the spokesman, Robert L. Dilenschneider.

The New York Times

Participants were required to sign a lengthy waiver before mounting the bike, an intermediary step that seemed to undercut Harley's emphasis on accessibility, but it did not stop some attendees.

The New York Times

What looks like targeted collection under a program like Prism may simply be the final step in a process that, considered as a whole, employs specific target identifiers as an intermediary step in what is functionally algorithmic or pattern-based surveillance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Machines can translate from Welsh into Arabic using English corpora as an intermediary step.

BBC

Adobe also sees Photoshop as an ideal intermediary step between designing 3D models and printing them.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intermediary step", ensure it clearly connects two distinct stages or actions. Specify what precedes and follows this step to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "intermediary step" when a direct connection or transition is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or indirect. If something transitions directly to the end, avoid the "intermediary step".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intermediary step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a stage or action that connects two other stages in a process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intermediary step" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a transitional action or stage connecting two distinct elements. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related contexts, it denotes a necessary process or link within a sequence of events. Related phrases include "intermediate step", "transitional phase", and "bridging action", offering subtle variations in emphasis. To use the phrase effectively, clearly define what precedes and follows this step to ensure context. Avoid overusing "intermediary step" in places where a more direct approach might be clearer. In conclusion, "intermediary step" is a versatile and useful phrase for denoting sequential processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermediate step

This alternative is nearly identical in meaning, simply substituting 'intermediary' with 'intermediate'.

transitional phase

It focuses on the 'phase' aspect of a transition, which may involve more than one discrete step.

bridging action

This alternative emphasizes the act of connecting two things or stages.

go-between measure

It highlights the role of mediating or facilitating communication or action.

liaison stage

It underscores the connection or communication facilitated at this stage.

connecting link

It focuses on the idea of forming a bond or association between two things.

preliminary action

This highlights the preparatory nature of the step, implying it comes before the main event.

stepping stone

It uses a metaphor to describe something that helps one advance toward a goal.

provisional measure

It suggests a temporary or conditional action taken before a more permanent solution.

temporary solution

This stresses the impermanence of the action, taken only until a better option arises.

FAQs

How can I use "intermediary step" in a sentence?

You can use "intermediary step" to describe a stage or action that connects two other stages. For example, "Negotiation can be a crucial "intermediary step" in resolving conflicts peacefully".

What are some alternatives to "intermediary step"?

Alternatives to "intermediary step" include "intermediate step", "transitional phase", or "bridging action" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "intermediate step" and "intermediary step"?

While "intermediate step" and "intermediary step" are often used interchangeably, "intermediary" can sometimes imply a more active role in mediating or connecting two entities, whereas "intermediate" simply refers to being in the middle.

When is it appropriate to use the term "intermediary step" in academic writing?

The term "intermediary step" is appropriate in academic writing when describing a process or sequence where one action or stage directly leads to another, serving as a necessary link or transition.