only a few steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"only a few steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe how near or far something is from something else. For example: "I live only a few steps from the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's only a few steps removed.

The New York Times

Only a few steps on the blind landing.

The New York Times

It takes only a few steps to assess his influence.

The New York Times

And the cliff edge was only a few steps away.

The Guardian

He trembled and could walk only a few steps before falling.

The New York Times

It was only a few steps from there to complete disfranchisement.

The New York Times

Mr. Simelnikova stared at Mr. Mcleer's car, now parked only a few steps away.

The New York Times

It is indeed situated only a few steps away from a primary school.

The Guardian

Only a few steps and he could be outside, where he could breathe and think.

The New Yorker

She was walking only a few steps behind her son when he was killed.

The New York Times

After only a few steps, the slow and slender river comes into view.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a few steps" to provide a sense of immediacy or convenience, emphasizing the short distance between two points.

Common error

Avoid using "only a few steps" when describing distances that are actually significant or require substantial effort to traverse. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects a minimal amount of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a few steps" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the short distance needed to reach a particular location or achieve something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and broadly applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only a few steps" is a versatile and frequently used expression to indicate a short distance or minimal effort required to achieve something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to science and business. While its register is generally neutral, careful attention should be paid to the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the scale being described. Consider using alternative phrases like "just a short distance" or "close at hand" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a short distance

Replaces "few steps" with a more general measure of distance.

merely a handful of paces

Emphasizes the small number of steps with more descriptive language.

within easy reach

Focuses on the ease of accessing something rather than the physical steps.

a stone's throw away

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate a short distance.

close at hand

Highlights the availability and nearness of something.

just around the corner

Indicates proximity, often suggesting a change in direction is needed.

a hop, skip, and a jump away

Emphasizes the ease and brevity of the distance.

practically next door

Suggests very close proximity, often used for buildings or locations.

almost within touching distance

Emphasizes the closeness to the point of nearly being able to touch something.

not far off

A more general expression meaning something is nearby or close to happening.

FAQs

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

You can use "only a few steps" to indicate that something is very close or easily accessible. For example, "The coffee shop is "only a few steps" from my apartment."

What can I say instead of "only a few steps"?

You can use alternatives like "just a short distance", "very close to", or "nearby" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "just a few steps" instead of "only a few steps"?

Yes, "just a few steps" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "only a few steps". They both convey the same meaning of a short distance.

What is the difference between "only a few steps away" and "a long way off"?

"Only a few steps away" means something is very close, while "a long way off" means something is far away. They are antonyms describing opposite ends of the distance spectrum.