just a few steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just a few steps" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a short distance or a simple task that requires minimal effort. For example, "It's just a few steps from my house to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iceland's Central Bank was just a few steps away.

The New Yorker

"And it's just a few steps from Central Park".

The New York Times

There's a beautiful rocky beach just a few steps away.

The Guardian - Travel

But it was also the case that everyone could reach everyone through just a few steps.

Cornell University

With just a few steps onto campus, you'll get the full sense of what we're about.

Yale University

"The place is on Thirty-seventh Avenue, just a few steps away.

The New Yorker

Sasha could manage the stoop, which had just a few steps.

The New York Times

In just a few steps we reach the wooden bridge to the front door.

Independent

"They will be just a few steps away," said Ian Wardropper, the Frick's new director.

The New York Times - Arts

No doubt he, too, lags behind by just a few steps.

The New Yorker

Just a few steps out of the elevator, he heard a tremendous crash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just a few steps" to describe a conveniently short distance, like "The coffee shop is just a few steps from the office, making it perfect for a quick break."

Common error

Avoid using "just a few steps" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "nearby" or "a short distance" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just a few steps" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, often indicating proximity or ease of access. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "just a few steps" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote short distances or minimal effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in news and media, with growing use in academic and scientific contexts, it serves to emphasize proximity or ease. For more formal communication, alternatives such as "in close proximity" may be considered. Remember to use "just a few steps" when describing something a short distance away.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only steps away

Emphasizes proximity by using 'only' to highlight the short distance.

a short distance

General term for small length between two points.

within easy reach

Highlights the ease of access to something.

a stone's throw away

Figurative language indicating extreme nearness.

in close proximity

Formal way to indicate being near something else.

a hop, skip, and a jump

Informal and playful way of saying something is easily accessible and close.

in the immediate vicinity

Formal language meaning 'nearby'.

a brief walk

Emphasis on the walking activity, indicating a short walk.

a quick hop

Focuses on the ease and speed of moving between two locations.

within spitting distance

Indicates extreme nearness but is considered more informal.

FAQs

How can I use "just a few steps" in a sentence?

You can use "just a few steps" to describe a short distance. For example, "The beach is "only steps away" from the hotel" or "The store is "a short distance" from my house".

What's a more formal way to say "just a few steps"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "in close proximity" or "in the immediate vicinity" to indicate something is nearby.

What can I say instead of "just a few steps" to sound more casual?

To sound more casual, consider using expressions like "a stone's throw away" or "a hop, skip, and a jump".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "just a few steps"?

While grammatically correct, using "just a few steps" might be inappropriate if the actual distance is considerable. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects a short distance for clarity.