significant step

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an action that is noteworthy or important in achieving a goal or making progress. For example: "Taking the GRE is a significant step in pursuing a graduate degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a significant step".

The New York Times

"This is a significant step.

Independent

I think that's a significant step forward".

The Guardian

"It's a significant step," Mr. Krens said.

The New York Times - Arts

I think it's a very significant step".

The Guardian - Books

That's a significant step for me.

The New York Times

"We have taken a significant step forward.

The Guardian

The UK interest is a significant step.

The Guardian

That's a small but significant step forward.

MIT Technology Review

"This is a significant step in that direction".

The New York Times - Sports

Professor Mnookin called the study a significant step.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant step", ensure the context clearly indicates what progress is being made and why it matters.

Common error

Avoid using "significant step" for minor improvements or changes that lack substantial impact. Overusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant step" functions as a noun phrase, where 'significant' modifies 'step'. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, describing an action or event as important or noteworthy. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant step" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that denotes an important action or event contributing to a larger goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread applicability. It is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies the described significance, avoiding overuse in situations lacking substantial impact. Alternatives such as "major advancement" or "important milestone" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step forward

A more general term for making progress.

major advancement

Emphasizes a larger scale of progress compared to a standard step.

important milestone

Highlights the achievement of a key objective.

notable development

Focuses on the aspect of something new and worthy of attention.

substantial progress

Stresses the amount of headway made.

key achievement

Highlights the accomplishment of something crucial.

breakthrough

Indicates a sudden and significant advance.

meaningful stride

Emphasizes the effort and impact of the progress.

pivotal moment

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the event.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness of the moment.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "significant step" in a sentence?

Use "significant step" to describe an action that contributes noticeably to a larger goal. For example, "The new policy is a "significant step" toward improving public health."

What are some alternatives to saying "significant step"?

You can use alternatives like "major advancement", "important milestone", or "notable development" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a significant step forward"?

Yes, "a significant step forward" is a correct and commonly used variant of "significant step", further emphasizing the idea of progress.

What's the difference between "significant step" and "small step"?

"Significant step" implies a considerable amount of progress or importance, whereas "small step" indicates a minor or incremental change. For example, a "significant step" might be a policy change, while a "small step" could be a minor adjustment to a procedure.