leading step

USAGE SUMMARY

"leading step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an important or influential action which sets in motion a particular process or plan. For example, "The introduction of new legislation was the leading step in the government's plan to combat rising unemployment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was an amazing performance, leading, step by step, to the revelatory conclusion.

The New York Times

Underlying the whole enterprise is a "knowledge map " — a chart offering exercises leading, step by step, from simple addition to linear algebra.

The New York Times

These findings may provide a better understanding of how CSC evolve, and which population to target and monitor during therapy, a leading step to eradicate this disease at its root.

BMC Cancer

The results showed that anticipatory locomotor adjustments occurred at least a stride before successfully walking onto the moving surface, including increasing step length and speed in the trailing step (p < 0.05), but the opposite in the leading step (p < 0.05).

Gait & Posture

Thus, the government had to take the leading step in line with the Regional Town and Country Planning Act Section 17(3) (a) which calls for the preparation of such a plan by the Local Planning Authority for the redevelopment or improvement of land in an area requiring special consideration.

City, Territory and Architecture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Two of the leading step-tracking manufacturers, FitBit and Jawbone, both recently announced new products that allow you to track food consumption and sleep besides their traditional step-tracking functionality.

The Guardian - Tech

I have often been afraid this war would engender a feeling of superiority — a spirit of aristocracy throughout the nation which allow me to say would be one of the leading steps to the downfall of the Republic.

The New York Times

So, in July of 2007, about a year after our launch, we modified our terms of service and took leading steps in the social content category to become a porn-free site.

TechCrunch

Later he said, "If it wasn't for the state leading them step by step all along, they would never have gotten anywhere".

The New York Times

In a number of ways, side flips have the same form as front flips with the leading steps, launch off the ground, and tucked rotation.

WikiHow

His colt won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile here last fall by leading every step of the way.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leading step" when you want to emphasize the importance and influence of an action that initiates a process or plan.

Common error

Avoid using "leading step" when a simpler term like "first step" adequately conveys the sequence of actions without emphasizing influence or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "leading" acts as an adjective modifying "step". It is employed to describe an action or measure considered most important or influential in initiating a process or change, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "leading step" is a grammatically correct and usable term to define a move that is crucial for starting a process. Ludwig indicates it functions as an adjective-noun combination with neutral formality. While "leading step" is not very common, it's used across science and news media. When using it, bear in mind that it's not just the first step but is important because sets the tone and direction for subsequent actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial move

Focuses on the commencement of an action.

first action

Emphasizes the sequential nature of an action.

primary measure

Highlights the importance and impact of an action.

key initiative

Implies a proactive and strategic approach.

pioneering move

Suggests innovation and setting a precedent.

groundbreaking action

Emphasizes the novelty and transformative potential.

critical endeavor

Highlights importance and effort, often larger in scale.

preliminary stage

Focuses on the preparatory aspect of starting something.

essential undertaking

Highlights the necessity of an action.

fundamental act

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "leading step" to describe an action that is crucial for initiating a process. For example, "The new policy was the leading step toward economic reform".

What is a good alternative to "leading step"?

Alternatives to "leading step" include "initial move", "first action", or "primary measure", depending on the context.

Is "leading step" the same as "first step"?

While both phrases refer to the beginning of a process, "leading step" emphasizes the importance and influence of that initial action, whereas "first step" simply indicates sequence.

When should I use "leading step" over other similar phrases?

Use "leading step" when you want to highlight that a particular action is not just the first one, but also sets the tone and direction for subsequent actions. This is different than just a "preliminary stage", which only implies something comes first in time.