intermediate step

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "intermediate step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a step that is required in a process, or to refer to a step that is between two other steps. For example, "Building the new website required several intermediate steps, such as designing the layout and loading content."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Muting offers an intermediate step.

The New Yorker

There is an intermediate step.

The Guardian - Books

This is sort of an intermediate step".

The New York Times - Tech

"To make an intermediate step is hard," Vaughters said.

The New York Times - Sports

That technology is just an intermediate step in his view.

The New York Times - Tech

But, as an intermediate step, those aren't bad.

The New Yorker

Group singing, or chorusing, may have been an intermediate step in this process, he suggests.

The New York Times - Science

The intermediate step -- getting a base hit but not scoring -- did not get recognized for years.

The New York Times

"A freeze would be an intermediate step, and we don't want that," the official said.

The New York Times

The gas-powered cell would be an intermediate step and would, he said, improve typical gas mileage 50percentt.

The New York Times

"I want to play," he said, shifting from tough guy to eager child with no intermediate step.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intermediate step", clarify the starting point and the ultimate goal to provide context for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "intermediate step" without specifying what it leads to. Always make the ultimate goal clear to provide context and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intermediate step" functions as a noun phrase that describes a stage or action within a larger process. It specifies a point between a starting point and an end goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showing various instances in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intermediate step" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a stage or action within a larger process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. The phrase functions to identify a specific action in a sequence, and while it appears more frequently in scientific and news-related sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of communication styles. Related phrases include "transitional phase" and "stepping stone", offering alternative ways to express the same idea with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepping stone

Suggests a path towards a larger goal, with the current step enabling further progress.

preliminary stage

Indicates an initial or preparatory phase.

transitional phase

Emphasizes the idea of a shift or progression between two states.

bridge

Implies connecting two distinct points or stages.

interim measure

Highlights the temporary nature of the action or solution.

middle ground

Indicates a compromise or a position between two extremes.

provisional action

Stresses the conditional or temporary nature of the step.

stopgap solution

Highlights the temporary and often imperfect nature of the resolution.

go-between

Focuses on the mediatory action.

way station

Evokes a point of rest or transition along a longer journey.

FAQs

How to use "intermediate step" in a sentence?

You can use "intermediate step" to describe an action or stage that connects two other actions or stages in a process. For example, "Creating a prototype is an intermediate step in the product development process".

What can I say instead of "intermediate step"?

You can use alternatives like "transitional phase", "stepping stone", or "preliminary stage" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "intermediate step" or "intermediary step"?

Both "intermediate step" and "intermediary step" are grammatically correct, but "intermediate step" is more common. "Intermediary step" emphasizes the role of mediation or agency more strongly.

What's the difference between "intermediate step" and "final step"?

"Intermediate step" refers to a step that occurs in the middle of a process, while "final step" refers to the last action required to complete a process. The intermediate step is not the last step, more steps will happen after this one.