significant step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"significant step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that an action is making meaningful progress. For example, "The introduction of the new policy was a significant step forward for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think that's a significant step forward".

The Guardian

"We have taken a significant step forward.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, this represents potentially a significant step forward.

The Guardian

Health campaigners believe the ban is a significant step forward.

The Guardian

If adopted, it would represent a significant step forward for shareholder democracy.

The New York Times

This is a significant step forward in curbing emissions to tackle global climate change.

The Guardian

That's a significant step forward, and one we should all applaud".

The Guardian

This takes us a very, very significant step forward in that journey".

The New York Times

Now it has emerged that the investigation has taken a significant step forward.

The Guardian

Gaining GOP approval for this release was a significant step forward for the Pakistanis.

The Guardian

That wouldn't be the answer to everything, but it would be a pretty significant step forward.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "significant step forward" to highlight tangible progress towards a goal or objective, especially when the advancement is noteworthy and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "significant step forward" for minor or insignificant improvements. Reserve it for situations where the progress is genuinely substantial and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant step forward" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object, describing a specific action or event that marks substantial progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant step forward" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote substantial progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across various domains. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, this phrase effectively communicates approval and highlights the importance of specific actions. When using this expression, ensure it aligns with the magnitude of the progress to avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternatives such as "major advancement" or "substantial progress" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective communication and appropriate usage in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial progress

Emphasizes the amount of progress made.

notable improvement

Highlights the positive change achieved.

meaningful stride

Suggests purposeful and effective progress.

major advancement

Focuses on the magnitude of the progress.

important breakthrough

Emphasizes a significant discovery or achievement.

marked development

Indicates a clear and observable growth.

considerable leap

Implies a large and impactful advancement.

positive transformation

Highlights the beneficial change achieved.

valuable contribution

Focuses on the worth and impact of the advancement.

giant stride forward

Emphasizes the size and importance of the step forward.

FAQs

How can I use "significant step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "significant step forward" to describe a meaningful advancement or progress in a particular situation. For example, "The new policy is a "significant step forward" in addressing climate change."

What are some alternatives to "significant step forward"?

Alternatives to "significant step forward" include "major advancement", "substantial progress", or "notable improvement", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "significant step forward" or "huge step forward"?

Both "significant step forward" and "huge step forward" are acceptable, but "significant step forward" may sound more formal and professional. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

"Significant step forward" implies a major advancement or meaningful progress, while "small step forward" indicates a minor or incremental improvement. The choice depends on the magnitude of the progress being described.