missed a step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "missed a step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an oversight or error in a process or sequence of actions. Example: "I realized I missed a step in the recipe, which is why the cake didn't rise properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Maybe he missed a step.

The Guardian - Sport

As she climbed into the bleachers during "Music," she missed a step, though she recovered fast.

The New York Times - Sports

In navigating a 3-hour-27-minute game, the Cardinals hardly missed a step.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was uncomfortable for him, although I don't think we missed a step at that time".

The New York Times

Mr. Sembène hasn't missed a step, and we're lucky to have him back on his path.

The New York Times

"I'm going to be 80, and I don't think I've missed a step," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Lakers couldn't exhale until Denver's Al Harrington missed a step-back three-pointer that would have given the Nuggets the lead in the final seconds.

Los Angeles Times

He never misses a step.

The New York Times

Slay did not miss a step tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

The mailman didn't miss a step.

The New York Times

He popped the pills down without missing a step.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "missed a step", ensure the context clearly indicates what process or sequence was interrupted or done incorrectly. For example: "In the recipe, I "missed a step" and added the sugar too late."

Common error

Avoid using "missed a step" in overly formal or technical writing where a more precise term like "omitted a procedure" or "failed to execute a phase" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed a step" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a larger sentence to indicate an error or omission in a sequence of actions or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "missed a step" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an omission or error in a process. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it is frequently found in neutral contexts such as news and media. While alternatives like "overlooked a step" or "skipped a step" exist, "missed a step" provides a versatile and easily understood way to convey that something went wrong due to an oversight. While not ideally suited for highly formal contexts, its overall utility and prevalence make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. The phrase is most often utilized in News and Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made an oversight

Highlights the mistake of not noticing or considering something important.

overlooked a stage

Indicates a failure to notice or consider a particular phase in a process.

slipped up

Implies a small, unintentional mistake.

skipped a phase

Refers to the act of omitting a particular stage in a planned sequence.

erred in procedure

Focuses on a procedural mistake.

failed to execute correctly

Describes an error in the execution of a task, but is a more general expression.

dropped the ball

An idiomatic expression meaning to make a mistake or fail to do something properly.

flubbed a stage

Suggests a clumsy or inept error in a particular phase, often in a performance or presentation.

muffed it up

Implies a careless mistake that resulted in a failure.

blundered in the act

Highlights a clumsy and foolish mistake in the middle of doing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "missed a step" to indicate an error or oversight in a process. For example, "I realized I "missed a step" in the instructions, which is why the project failed".

What are some alternatives to "missed a step"?

Some alternatives to "missed a step" include "overlooked a step", "skipped a step", or "failed to execute correctly" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "missed a step" or "skipped a step"?

Both "missed a step" and "skipped a step" are acceptable. "Skipped a step" implies intentional omission, while "missed a step" suggests an accidental oversight. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "missed a step" and "made a mistake"?

"Missed a step" refers specifically to omitting or making an error within a sequence or process. "Made a mistake" is a more general term that can apply to any kind of error, not necessarily one in a series of actions.