make some steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make some steps" is not commonly used in standard written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when referring to taking actions or making progress towards a goal, but it is better to use a more standard expression. Example: "To improve your health, you need to make some steps towards a balanced diet and regular exercise."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He said at the July summit meeting between Mr. Obama and the Russian president, Dmitri A. Medvedev, that the leaders could "make some steps where they will partner with us and Poland and the Czech Republic in going forward with missile defense in this third site".

The New York Times

If we make some steps to understand the decision as a practical empirical event, we may be able to develop a critique of how its diverse conditions produce decisive effects.

BioSocieties

[the GP goes on to explain how he tentatively proceeded to make some steps towards establishing a diagnosis] I had some work up to do, to send stupid blood tests for syphilis.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They've made some steps.

The New York Times

"We made some steps, we made some strides," Oates said.

The New York Times - Sports

He has, to his credit, made some steps toward fixing this.

The New Yorker

Our mission in Afghanistan was to improve agriculture in Kunar, and we made some steps in that direction.

The New York Times

If we can finish this road trip the way we started it, then I think we will have made some steps forward".

The New York Times - Sports

Mondelez has made some steps to boost its performance, including shutting factories and setting a share buyback of up to $13.7bn, but analysts said Ackman probably wants more.

The Guardian - Business

Second, in areas, particularly those that have been exploited by the terrorists, such as airports, commercial airlines and bioterrorism, we have made some steps and are committed to even further steps that will increase their security.

The New York Times

Now, with some of his contemporaries co-opted by the mainstream, he's back with a new album, which makes some steps towards convention, while still retaining his own sound.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider using stronger alternatives like "take steps" or "make progress" instead of "make some steps". This enhances the impact and readability of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make some steps" in formal documents or academic papers where precision and conventional phrasing are crucial. Opt for alternatives like "implement measures" or "advance progress" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make some steps" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of actions or measures aimed at achieving a specific goal or progress. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that while acceptable, more standard expressions might be preferable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "make some steps" is a less common way to describe taking action or making progress. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples indicate that more direct and conventional alternatives like "take steps" or "make progress" are generally preferred for clarity and impact. The phrase appears in diverse sources, including news and scientific articles, but its usage isn't overwhelmingly frequent. When aiming for professional or formal writing, consider opting for stronger alternatives to enhance readability and precision. It is crucial to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use the phrase "make some steps" or one of its more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take steps

This is a more common and versatile alternative, directly implying action.

make progress

Focuses on the advancement achieved rather than the specific actions taken.

take action

Emphasizes the act of doing something, often in response to a problem or opportunity.

advance forward

Highlights movement and progression, suitable for scenarios emphasizing forward momentum.

move forward

Implies a transition from one state to another, often used in planning or strategic contexts.

make headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles and making noticeable progress.

initiate measures

A more formal alternative, suitable for official or professional settings.

undertake initiatives

Similar to 'initiate measures' but emphasizes proactive and planned actions.

set in motion

Highlights the commencement of a process or plan.

forge ahead

Implies determination and perseverance in the face of challenges.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "make some steps"?

You can use alternatives like "take steps", "make progress", or "take action" depending on the context.

Is "make some steps" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "make some steps" is less common than alternatives like "take steps". It might sound slightly awkward in some contexts.

How can I use "make some steps" in a sentence?

You can use "make some steps" to describe taking actions towards a goal. For example, "The company needs to make some steps to improve its customer service."

What's the difference between "make some steps" and "take steps"?

"Take steps" is generally preferred and more widely used. "Make some steps" is a less common variant with a similar meaning.