only a few more steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a few more steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are just a small number of additional actions or movements required to reach a goal or destination. Example: "You're almost there; just follow the path, and you'll see that there are only a few more steps to the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They reckon that only a few more steps are needed for an agreement.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But in terms of policy specifics, she's only taken a few more steps, such as workers sharing in record corporate profits, some tax loophole closure for the rich, and prosecution of high-level financial manipulations.

Huffington Post

But a few more steps remain.

The New York Times

In her view, there are just a few more steps.

The New York Times - Health

Just a few more steps to fully functioning Cylons!

TechCrunch

Just a few more steps!

Huffington Post

I have to tell myself to get up every 30 minutes -- if only to take a few more steps to the water cooler or bathroom -- so that I won't die of inactivity.

Huffington Post

Just take a few more steps in that direction.

Huffington Post

Now, a few more steps.

The New York Times

A few more steps.

The Guardian

Finishing the prototype RRAM required a few more steps.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a few more steps" to encourage someone by highlighting how close they are to achieving their goal. For example, say "You're doing great, only a few more steps and you'll finish the marathon!"

Common error

Avoid using "only a few more steps" in situations where the actual number of steps is significant. It’s best suited when the remaining effort is perceived as small. Don't use the phrase to minimize the effort when many actions are required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a few more steps" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating nearness to completion. As Ludwig AI underlines, the examples showcase its use across various contexts to suggest minimal remaining actions. It implies that the end goal is within easy reach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only a few more steps" is a versatile expression used to indicate nearness to completion, often serving as encouragement. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in various contexts, including news, wikis, and business communications. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings. Common alternatives include "almost there" and "nearly complete". When using this phrase, ensure that the remaining effort is genuinely perceived as minimal to maintain its intended motivational effect. The phrase has a common frequency and is seen in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost there

Indicates nearness to a destination or goal but is shorter and more informal.

a few steps remain

Formal restatement that emphasizes the steps needed for completion.

nearly complete

Focuses on the completion aspect, suitable for tasks or projects.

just a little further

Emphasizes the remaining distance, often used literally.

almost finished

Similar to "nearly complete" but more conversational.

nearing completion

Highlights the act of approaching completion, suitable for ongoing processes.

close to the end

Highlights the approaching conclusion of an event or process.

final stage

Emphasizes that the process is in the last phase.

the end is in sight

More figurative, suggesting the conclusion is visible or foreseeable.

on the home stretch

Idiomatic phrase indicating the final part of a journey or task.

FAQs

How can I use "only a few more steps" in a sentence?

You can use "only a few more steps" to indicate that something is near completion. For example, "We're almost done; "only a few more steps" and the project is finished."

What's a more informal alternative to "only a few more steps"?

Informal alternatives include "almost there" or "just a little further", which are suitable for casual conversations.

How does "only a few more steps" differ from "the final stage"?

"Only a few more steps" emphasizes the actions needed to finish, while "the final stage" highlights that the process is in its last phase.

When is it appropriate to use "only a few more steps" figuratively?

It's appropriate when you want to express that a goal is very close to being achieved, even if the 'steps' are not literal. For instance, "After months of negotiations, we are "only a few more steps" from reaching an agreement".