several steps away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several steps away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a distance or a degree of separation from a particular point or situation. Example: "The solution to the problem is several steps away, but we are making progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Noonan's primary motive was to keep a beleaguered and often very ill author cheered up, laughing, and several steps away from taking it all too seriously.

Columbia University

At one point, he left it leaning against his van and took several steps away before he caught himself and, with a chuckle, turned to fetch it.

The New York Times

I looked around again, and this time I did see a pretty blond girl standing in the crowd, watching us from several steps away.

The New Yorker

The Redskins may be a step — or several steps — away from a complete team that steamrolls opponents from the first quarter to the last.

The Washington Post

This method shows strong potential for organ regrowth, but the team is several steps away from making human lungs from repopulated scaffolds.

MIT Technology Review

During the next several plays, the Falcons' defensive backs took several steps away from the line of scrimmage as they tried to cover Beckham.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"This takes several steps out.

The New York Times

The process also is several major steps away from commercial viability.

The New York Times

But in recent years the program, which currently has an annual budget of $20,000 to $25,000 for art supplies and travel, has been overseen largely by civilians at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., several more steps away.

The New York Times - Arts

Haplotype networks have star-like phylogenies centered around the modal haplotypes, which are all several mutational steps away from the chimpanzee reference haplotype, possibly reflecting new evolutionary pressures of natural selection subsequent to the separation of the chimpanzee lineage from the human lineage.

Genome Biology and Evolution

That scenario is several highly improbable steps away and should be seen in the context of the team's ultimate goal, and the detail of Wolff's comments, which focused on the situation remaining manageable.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several steps away" to describe a distance that is noticeable but not extreme, whether physical or metaphorical. It implies more than just a single step, suggesting a deliberate removal or separation.

Common error

Avoid using "several steps away" when a more precise measurement is available or necessary. If you know the exact distance, use it; otherwise, the phrase can seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several steps away" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate spatial or conceptual distance. It indicates that something is not immediately reachable or attainable, but neither is it impossibly far. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several steps away" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a measurable but not extreme distance, physically or conceptually. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across varied contexts, from news and media to academia and science. It conveys a sense of separation that is significant but not insurmountable. While precise alternatives exist for specific situations, "several steps away" offers a versatile and commonly understood way to express this idea. Keep in mind that while precise alternatives exist for specific situations, the phrase is typically used in neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly removed from

Focuses on conceptual or figurative separation.

a few paces away

More specific about the unit of distance, using 'paces' instead of 'steps'.

a short distance away

Implies a physically closer proximity than the original phrase.

not far from

A general statement indicating closeness in distance or conceptually.

some distance off

Suggests a vague and less defined separation.

in close proximity

A formal way of saying nearby or close.

within walking distance

Indicates a distance that can be covered by walking.

at a remove

Indicates separation, either physically or in terms of involvement.

a stone's throw away

Another idiomatic expression denoting short distance.

just around the corner

Idiomatic expression indicating close proximity, often used figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "several steps away" in a sentence?

You can use "several steps away" to describe physical distance, such as "The store is "several steps away" from my house". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "A complete solution is "several steps away"".

What does "several steps away" imply about the distance?

It suggests a distance that is more than immediate or minimal but not so far as to be considered distant. It implies a noticeable, deliberate separation.

Which is more precise, "several steps away" or "a few steps away"?

"A few steps away" and "several steps away" are similarly imprecise. If precision is important, specify an exact distance or use a more descriptive term.

What are some alternatives to "several steps away"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a short distance away", "slightly removed from", or "not far from".