make steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"make steps" is a valid phrase in written English and can be used in various contexts.
For example, "We need to make steps towards finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"The government has begun to make steps in the right direction by introducing a sugar levy.

The Guardian

You need to make steps towards your goal and the progress we've made is encouraging".

The Guardian

But North Korea continues to make steps towards developing its own arsenal.

The Guardian

You have to make steps to get there and I am just working hard to do that".

The Guardian - Sport

The housing sector has a big environmental impact and it makes a good candidate for changes to be implemented in order to make steps towards a sustainable society.

Journal of Cleaner Production

Joshua walks with the wide, tentative yet supple steps he sees black teenage boys make, steps he has practiced at home in the mirror.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Make step by step instructions on how to play.

WikiHow

Make step-by-step detailed lists on how you will achieve your goals.

WikiHow

They have already made steps next year.

The New York Times - Sports

We're making steps to improve it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I've made steps in the right direction," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make steps" to describe incremental progress towards a specific objective. For example, "The company is making steps towards sustainability by reducing its carbon footprint."

Common error

While acceptable, "make steps" can sometimes sound less formal. In highly formal writing, consider stronger verbs like 'implement', 'initiate', or 'execute' for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make steps" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of progressing or taking measures towards a goal. Ludwig provides examples where it describes actions taken by governments, organizations, and individuals to improve situations or achieve objectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make steps" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the action of progressing or taking measures towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to inform and persuade about actions taken to achieve specific aims. While the register is generally neutral, professional contexts might benefit from stronger verbs. When aiming to showcase incremental progress, "make steps" is a reliable and versatile choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

A more generic way of indicating advancement or improvement.

progress towards

Highlights the direction of the progress, aiming towards a specific goal.

take measures

Highlights the adoption of specific measures to address a situation.

move forward

Similar to "advance forward" but can also imply psychological or emotional progress.

take action

Focuses on the initiation of actions, rather than incremental progress.

take strides

Implies significant and noticeable progress.

advance forward

Emphasizes moving ahead, often in a more general sense.

implement changes

Focuses on the act of putting changes into effect.

make headway

Suggests progress in overcoming obstacles.

pursue a course of action

Emphasizes following a particular strategy or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "make steps" to indicate progress or action toward a goal. For example, "The government needs to "take action" and make steps to reduce poverty."

What are some alternatives to "make steps"?

Alternatives include "make progress", "take measures", or "move forward", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make steps" or "take steps"?

While both are understandable, "make steps" is the more commonly used and grammatically sound option. "Take steps" might be confused with the literal action of walking.

What's the difference between "making steps" and "achieving goals"?

"Making steps" refers to the process of progressing, whereas "achieving goals" refers to the final accomplishment. You "make steps" to "achieve goals".