preliminary step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary step" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a beginning or preparatory action that precedes a more significant or final action. Example: Before submitting the proposal, we need to take a few preliminary steps, such as gathering additional research and consulting with our team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a preliminary step," Mr. Patz said on Thursday.

The New York Times

Inspections are a preliminary step in an antitrust investigation.

The New York Times

The authorization vote is only a preliminary step.

The New York Times - Sports

This turns uranium ore into UF6, the essential preliminary step before enrichment.

The Economist

So at least that preliminary step of saying the number of challenge ballots would place in question the outcome of the election, that they have at least met that preliminary step.

The New York Times

The Robertson recipe includes a preliminary step so self-evident that it is baffling that it hasn't always been done.

The New Yorker

It is a preliminary step in the investigative process, he said, and does not imply innocence or guilt.

The New York Times

The announcement is a preliminary step toward antitrust approval of Cingular's planned $41 billion purchase of AT&T Wireless Services.

The New York Times

Parliament's lower house took a preliminary step to remove from election ballots the option of voting "against all" candidates.

The New York Times

Soon after this preliminary step, district by district, those who want to can move home for good.

The New York Times

Interrogations led commanders to believe the incident was a preliminary step to a planned general insurrection in the region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, clearly identify "preliminary steps" to set expectations and guide the reader.

Common error

Ensure that you don't skip or rush through "preliminary steps", as they often lay the groundwork for later stages. Omitting them can lead to complications or inaccuracies down the line.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary step" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'preliminary' acts as an adjective modifying 'step'. It denotes an initial action that is preparatory in nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary step" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an initial, preparatory action. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it adheres to standard English grammar rules. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, signalling an action that lays the foundation for subsequent stages. While alternatives like "initial stage" or "first move" exist, "preliminary step" maintains its unique emphasis on preparation. When using this phrase, ensure not to omit necessary steps and to clearly identify the process it precedes. Overall, "preliminary step" is a versatile phrase suitable for a range of writing styles, leaning towards the formal end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial stage

Emphasizes the beginning phase of a process.

starting point

Highlights the initiation of an activity or process.

initial action

Focuses on the action aspect and the state of being initial.

first phase

It refers to the first among other steps that are required to complete something.

first move

Focuses on the action of initiating something.

introductory phase

Highlights the beginning and introduction to a process.

early phase

Highlights the time frame of being early on something.

preparatory measure

Stresses the preparation aspect of the action.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic initial action.

foundation stone

Suggests that the stage is a foundational component of something bigger.

FAQs

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

You can use "preliminary step" to describe an initial action that needs to be done before a main action, for example: "Gathering data is a "preliminary step" before conducting the analysis."

What are some alternatives to "preliminary step"?

Some alternatives to "preliminary step" include "initial stage", "first move", or "preparatory measure", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the initial action.

Is it redundant to say "first preliminary step"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "first "preliminary step"" can be redundant, as 'preliminary' already implies it is the first step. Simply using "preliminary step" is usually sufficient.

What's the difference between "preliminary step" and "final step"?

A "preliminary step" is an action taken at the beginning of a process to prepare for what comes next, while a "final step" is the last action taken to complete the process.