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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
preliminary steps for
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "preliminary steps for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing initial actions or measures taken in preparation for a larger process or project. Example: "Before launching the new product, we need to outline the preliminary steps for market research and development."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
Under the deal Mr. Putin obtained Thursday, Gazprom will be allowed to proceed with seismic and environmental tests in Turkey's exclusive economic zone, necessary preliminary steps for laying the South Stream pipe, Prime Minister Erdogan said at a news conference.
News & Media
In this short note we start discussing possible motivations and preliminary steps for placing process algebra under this new light, and for exploring its versatility by NKS-style experiments.
The oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) is part of the wastes generated from the preliminary steps for processing oil palm mill which involves removing the fruits from its bunches by a combined unit of sterilizer and rotary drum thresher (Kwasi 2002; Katamanee 2006).
Science
Media General announced that it has completed the preliminary steps for listing its stock on the NYSE.
News & Media
The above three equations stand for a kind of space-filling methods which are the preliminary steps for grid-based macromolecular surface generation.
Science
Two previously described preliminary steps for generating the data infrastructure were required [ 4].
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
The Maryland Insurance Administration last week issued an order barring Evergreen from selling or renewing insurance policies, a preliminary step for receivership.
News & Media
This paper presents the application of DOE as a preliminary step for the electromagnetic modeling and optimization process.
However, in 2004, President Bush outlined a vision to establish a lunar outpost by 2020 as a preliminary step for exploration beyond Earth, including Mars.
Academia
The need for a complete knowledge of the performances of the measurement set-up is considered an essential preliminary step for reliability in wind tunnel testing.
This study improved our knowledge about individuals' perceptions on Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystems and represents a preliminary step for their monetary valuation.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When outlining a process, use "preliminary steps for" to clearly indicate the initial actions required before moving to subsequent stages.
Common error
Avoid using "preliminary steps for" when the actions are actually critical and complex; reserve it for genuinely initial or basic preparations.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "preliminary steps for" functions as a noun phrase modifier, describing actions or measures that serve as an introduction or preparation for a subsequent activity or process. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its role in outlining initial requirements for various endeavors.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
25%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "preliminary steps for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe initial actions undertaken in preparation for a larger task or process. Ludwig identifies it as frequently appearing in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. While alternatives like "initial steps for" or "preparatory measures for" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. It's crucial to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the described steps are genuinely initial and not overstating their significance.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
initial steps for
Replaces "preliminary" with "initial", a synonym emphasizing the beginning stage.
preparatory measures for
Substitutes "steps" with "measures" and adds "preparatory" for a more formal tone.
early actions for
Uses "early actions" instead of "preliminary steps", highlighting the timing of the actions.
first stage of
Focuses on the sequential aspect, indicating that these steps are the beginning of a process.
introductory phase of
Emphasizes that these steps form the beginning phase of a larger project.
foundational work for
Highlights that these steps are creating a base or groundwork for something.
basic groundwork for
Similar to foundational work, emphasizes the initial creation of a structure.
essential preparation for
Indicates that the steps are not only initial but also crucial for success.
the onset of
Implies a beginning or start to something, less focused on the steps themselves.
starting point for
Directly refers to the beginning, useful when discussing initiation of a project or process.
FAQs
How can I use "preliminary steps for" in a sentence?
You can use "preliminary steps for" to describe the initial actions needed to start a larger process. For example: "Outlining a budget is one of the "preliminary steps for" launching a new business".
What are some alternatives to "preliminary steps for"?
Alternatives include "initial steps for", "preparatory measures for", or "early actions for" depending on the context.
Is it redundant to say "initial preliminary steps for"?
Yes, using both "initial" and "preliminary" is redundant because they both mean 'coming at the beginning'. It's better to choose one or the other for clarity.
What's the difference between "preliminary steps for" and "necessary steps for"?
"Preliminary steps for" refer to the actions at the beginning of a process. "Necessary steps for" indicates actions that are essential at any point in a process, not just the beginning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested