preliminary steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to initial actions or measures taken before a main process or event. Example: "Before we begin the project, we need to outline the preliminary steps to ensure everything is in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The uncertainty extends even to preliminary steps.

The New York Times

But he knows there must be preliminary steps.

The New Yorker

Local governments have taken some preliminary steps to reduce pollution.

The New York Times

The preliminary steps of this argument are on solid ground.

Cornell University

What are the preliminary steps of the genetic testing process?

Stanford University

Mr. Gates has already taken some sound preliminary steps.

The New York Times

The National People's Congress has taken some preliminary steps.

The New York Times

This chapter covers the preliminary steps to a design.

Integrated Security Systems Design A Complete Reference for Building Enterprise-Wide Digital Security Systems

Preliminary steps to turn this concept into a reality were to have been made today.

The New York Times

The murder, with its many preliminary steps and sickening conclusion, is nerve-racking and appropriately creepy.

The New Yorker

LINES MAY BE MERGED Rock Island's Eventual Control Is Expected if I.C.C. Approve Preliminary Steps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a project, explicitly list the "preliminary steps" to ensure clarity and avoid overlooking essential early actions. This helps in planning and execution.

Common error

Avoid skipping the "preliminary steps" in favor of diving directly into the main task. This can lead to overlooking crucial preparation and potentially cause problems later in the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary steps" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the initial actions or measures taken before a main process or event begins. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preliminary steps" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the initial actions taken before a main process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a reliable and widely accepted part of the English language. It is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "initial actions" and "preparatory measures". When using this phrase, it's important to explicitly list the preliminary steps to ensure clarity and avoid skipping crucial preparations. By understanding its function and contexts, writers can effectively incorporate "preliminary steps" into their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial actions

Focuses on the 'first' actions undertaken.

preparatory measures

Emphasizes the 'preparation' aspect of the actions.

introductory procedures

Highlights the 'procedural' nature of the initial actions.

opening moves

Implies a strategic or tactical beginning.

early stages

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the beginning.

initial phase

Stresses the 'phase' or period of commencement.

first stage

Highlights that this stage is the first one.

incipient measures

Emphasizes that the measure is at an early stage.

launching actions

Suggests a process has been started.

foundational steps

Highlights the idea that some kind of foundation has to be built.

FAQs

How to use "preliminary steps" in a sentence?

You can use "preliminary steps" to describe the actions that need to be taken before starting a main process, such as "Before we begin the experiment, we need to complete these "preliminary steps"."

What can I say instead of "preliminary steps"?

You can use alternatives like "initial actions", "preparatory measures", or "introductory procedures depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "preliminary steps" or "initial steps"?

Both "preliminary steps" and "initial steps" are correct and often interchangeable. However, "preliminary steps" might suggest a more formal or structured preparation, while "initial steps" simply refers to the first actions taken.

What's the difference between "preliminary steps" and "first steps"?

"First steps" typically refer to the very beginning of a process or journey, whereas "preliminary steps" can encompass a broader range of preparatory actions that set the stage for the main activity. The "preliminary steps" may need to be in place before the first steps can be taken.