mandatory step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandatory step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a required action or procedure that must be followed in a process or set of instructions. Example: "Before proceeding to the next phase of the project, completing the mandatory step of obtaining approval is essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Zwilling said a complaint about Mr. Manzione had come to the archdiocese in the week before the suspension, which is a mandatory step pending an investigation under the archdiocese's sexual abuse guidelines.

The New York Times

A federal advisory committee reached consensus on wide-ranging new rules in 2004, but they have been mired in lengthy reviews and have not yet been published in the Federal Register — a mandatory step before they can become law.

The New York Times

In addition, a number of members of Lula's cabinet were expected to resign their posts by April 2010, a mandatory step for cabinet ministers who wished to run in the elections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MANDATORY STEP: Let me know you downloaded it.

TechCrunch

This could also avoid the previous mandatory step of sampling.

Heritage Science

Knowledge mapping is a first and mandatory step in ontology definition.

CIRP Annals

Discussion Identifying HLH-etiology is a mandatory step for short and long term recovery.

Annals of Intensive Care

Hence, vessel-enhancement filtering is a mandatory step (step A in Fig. 1).

EJNMMI Physics

Testing algorithms with real cars is a mandatory step in developing new intelligent abilities for future transportation systems.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

Delineation of the immune correlates of protection in natural infection or after vaccination is a mandatory step for vaccine development.

Journal of Immunological Methods

The potential for dietary fat to prevent breast cancer makes identification of defined molecules a mandatory step.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of actions, clearly identify the "mandatory step" to ensure it receives proper attention and is not overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "mandatory step" when the action is merely suggested or helpful. Reserve it for actions that are absolutely required for a successful outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandatory step" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a required action or procedure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it frequently appears in instructions or processes where adherence to specific steps is crucial.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mandatory step" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote an action that is absolutely required within a process. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and versatile. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, it serves to clearly communicate the non-negotiable nature of a specific action. Alternatives like "required procedure" or "essential requirement" can be used to vary the language while maintaining the same meaning. When writing, ensure the phrase is used only when a step is truly essential, and avoid redundant modifiers like "absolutely".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required procedure

Replaces 'step' with 'procedure', emphasizing a formal action.

necessary measure

Substitutes 'mandatory' with 'necessary' and 'step' with 'measure', focusing on the essential nature of the action.

essential requirement

Replaces 'mandatory' with 'essential' and 'step' with 'requirement', highlighting the fundamental need.

obligatory action

Uses 'obligatory' instead of 'mandatory' and 'action' instead of 'step', indicating a compulsory act.

compulsory process

Employs 'compulsory' in place of 'mandatory' and 'process' in place of 'step', denoting a forced procedure.

prerequisite condition

Replaces the entire phrase to indicate something that must happen first.

indispensable element

Highlights the critical importance of the 'step' as an 'element'.

unavoidable stage

Focuses on the inevitability of the 'step' as a 'stage'.

critical phase

Emphasizes the importance of the 'step' as a 'phase'.

imperative task

Substitutes with a stronger emphasis on the urgency.

FAQs

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

You can use "mandatory step" to highlight an action that must be completed. For example, "Submitting the application form is a "mandatory step" in the enrollment process".

What's a good alternative to "mandatory step"?

Alternatives include "required procedure", "essential requirement", or "obligatory action", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say 'absolutely mandatory step'?

Yes, adding "absolutely" is redundant because "mandatory" already implies something is required and not optional. Saying just "mandatory step" is sufficient.

When should I use "mandatory step" versus "optional step"?

"Mandatory step" should be used when the action is a prerequisite and cannot be skipped. Conversely, "optional step" indicates an action that can be chosen or omitted based on circumstances.