make a significant step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a significant step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing progress or advancement in a particular area, such as personal development, projects, or initiatives. Example: "The company has decided to make a significant step towards sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Ria Novosti said the insertion of such rods "would make a significant step forward in Iran's nuclear program".

The New York Times

I think if we can just get qualifying sorted then we can make a significant step forward".

Independent

If your company is going to make a significant step toward sustainability, it probably won't make business sense, at least not in any way that can be predicted or quantified.

The Guardian

However, and here lies the importance of the present judgment, the court did make a significant step by recognising that stable relationships of cohabiting same-sex couples fall within the notion of family life.

The Guardian

But it simply doesn't have provisions that would help us recover the 8.4 million jobs that have been lost in the recession, or even make a significant step towards closing the employment gap.

Huffington Post

Although further studies will be required to identify the causal alleles within these loci, the findings make a significant step forward in our understanding of the genetic contribution to SLE in Chinese population.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

While not establishing primogeniture as such, he made a significant step in that direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By indicating that it would consider a system of schoolwide incentive pay, the union has made a significant step toward Mr. Giuliani, labor experts said.

The New York Times

Recently, researchers in the Philippines have made a significant step in the processing of water hyacinth into textiles on a large scale.

The Guardian

De Bohun said after the Wanderers beat the Mariners 2-0 FFA were making a "significant step" as of Sunday to offer a right of appeal to fans who felt hard done by the banning orders.

The Guardian - Sport

"The government today has made a significant step forward in preventing rapists using rape pornography to legitimise and strategise their crimes and, more broadly, in challenging the eroticisation of violence against women and girls".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to convey positive development and advancement in a project, an initiative, or even in personal growth.

Common error

Avoid using "make a significant step" for minor or incremental improvements. Reserve it for situations where the progress is genuinely substantial and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a significant step" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of achieving notable advancement or progress. It is often used to describe actions that lead to a considerable improvement, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a significant step" is a grammatically sound and useful expression to describe considerable progress or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. Although the phrase is not as common as other alternatives it is relevant across various writing contexts. Use it carefully to highlight the relevance of progress toward a goal. Related phrases include take a major leap or achieve a meaningful advancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a major leap

Emphasizes a more substantial and bolder advancement.

achieve a meaningful advancement

Highlights the positive and impactful nature of the progress.

make substantial progress

Focuses on the amount of progress made.

advance considerably

Highlights the extent of the advancement.

make a giant stride

Evokes a sense of rapid and significant progress.

move forward decisively

Emphasizes the confidence and determination behind the advancement.

make important headway

Highlights forward movement despite difficulty.

make considerable headway

Implies significant progress in overcoming obstacles.

make a great stride

Emphasizes significant forward movement.

make decisive progress

Highlights that the progress is conclusive and impactful.

FAQs

How can I use "make a significant step" in a sentence?

You can use "make a significant step" to describe important progress or advancement. For example, "The company decided to "make a significant step" towards sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "make a significant step"?

You can use alternatives like "take a major leap", "achieve a meaningful advancement", or "make substantial progress" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make a significant step" or "take a significant step"?

Both "make a significant step" and "take a significant step" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and context.

What's the difference between "make a significant step" and "make a significant effort"?

"Make a significant step" refers to actual progress or advancement, while "make a significant effort" refers to the amount of work or energy invested, regardless of the outcome.