radical step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "radical step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or drastic action taken to address a situation or problem. Example: "The company took a radical step by completely overhauling its business model to adapt to the changing market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Divestiture is, of course, a radical step.

Harvard Business Review

That would be a radical step, but not irrational.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, for corporate America, that could be a radical step.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some economists call  for a radical step: huge debt relief.

The New York Times

I suggest we take the radical step of using science, not superstition, as our guide.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such official acknowledgement of the shared legacy of ordinary farmland seems a radical step.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is far from clear that Italians would endorse such a radical step.

The Guardian

A fourth and more radical step would be to index the tax system to income inequality.

The New York Times

Instead, they should simply take the radical step of playing the music they love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Arizona is not the only state taking such a radical step.

The New York Times - Arts

So far, the most radical step has been taken in Barcelona.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "radical step" when you want to emphasize that an action is a significant departure from the norm and carries a high degree of impact or risk.

Common error

Avoid using "radical step" when a more moderate or incremental approach is being described. The term implies a significant shift, so using it in the wrong context can exaggerate the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "radical step" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "radical" modifies the noun "step". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "radical step" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a significant or drastic action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is commonly employed in news, science, and business contexts, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives such as "drastic measure" or "sweeping change" exist, "radical step" effectively communicates the idea of a bold and decisive move. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term, avoiding overuse in situations that involve only minor adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drastic measure

Replaces "step" with a synonym implying severity, maintaining the sense of a significant action.

extreme action

Substitutes both "radical" and "step" with synonyms emphasizing the severity and decisive nature of the action.

sweeping change

Focuses on the large-scale impact of the action, rather than the action itself.

bold move

Highlights the courageous and confident aspect of the action, implying a willingness to take risks.

decisive action

Emphasizes the resoluteness and finality of the action taken.

transformative measure

Highlights the action's ability to create significant and lasting change.

game-changing decision

Implies the action will significantly alter the existing situation or competitive landscape.

revolutionary approach

Suggests the action represents a fundamental shift in thinking or methodology.

unconventional tactic

Focuses on the novelty and departure from standard practices implied by the action.

far-reaching initiative

Highlights the broad scope and potential long-term effects of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "radical step" to describe a significant action taken to address a problem or change a situation. For example, "The company took a radical step by completely overhauling its business model."

What are some alternatives to "radical step"?

Alternatives include "drastic measure", "extreme action", or "sweeping change" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "radical step" too strong for describing minor changes?

Yes, "radical step" implies a significant departure from the norm. For minor changes, consider using phrases like "slight adjustment" or "small modification".

What makes a step "radical"?

A "radical" step is one that fundamentally alters the existing situation, often involving significant risk or a complete change of direction. It's not simply a minor adjustment, but a transformative action.