significant steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe important actions or measures taken towards achieving a goal or making progress in a particular area. Example: "The organization has taken significant steps to improve its environmental sustainability practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They took significant steps to redefine themselves.

The Guardian - Film

But there were some significant steps.

The New York Times

What were some of the significant steps?

Nature

"I believe they are important steps, significant steps," she said.

The New York Times

You've taken two significant steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

The Washington Post

But he opposes significant steps to combat climate change.

The New York Times

In 1907 there were two significant steps forward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"However, we have taken significant steps to address these issues".

The New York Times

These are significant steps towards giving more freedom to those schools that want it.

The Guardian

Now, however, small but significant steps are being taken to put cultural landmarking on the map.

The New York Times

"I again urge the other major music-industry players to take significant steps toward this end".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant steps", ensure clarity by specifying the area or domain in which these steps have been taken. For instance, "significant steps in environmental conservation" or "significant steps towards economic recovery".

Common error

Avoid using "significant steps" as a generic phrase without providing specific details about the actual actions taken. Instead of just stating that someone has taken "significant steps", describe those actions explicitly to provide context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms that its use designates concrete actions or measures undertaken to achieve a particular aim or progression. Examples from Ludwig showcase how this noun phrase often serves as the object of a verb (e.g., "taken significant steps").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "significant steps" is a widely used and grammatically sound noun phrase that signifies noteworthy progress or key actions taken to achieve a particular goal. According to Ludwig AI, it functions primarily to highlight progress and inform an audience about the value and impact of specific actions. It is commonly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral yet informative tone. To ensure effective communication, avoid using this phrase vaguely; provide specific details about the actions taken. By considering these guidelines, writers can leverage the power of "significant steps" to convey impactful progress in their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningful strides

Replaces "steps" with "strides" emphasizing progress and positive movement.

notable advancements

Substitutes "steps" with "advancements", focusing on the progress made.

substantial progress

Emphasizes the amount of progress, rather than the actions taken.

major breakthroughs

Suggests more impactful and sudden advancements.

considerable headway

Highlights forward movement and overcoming obstacles.

remarkable achievements

Focuses on accomplishments that are noteworthy and impressive.

key developments

Emphasizes important events or changes that have occurred.

pivotal actions

Focuses on the importance and impact of the actions taken.

critical measures

Highlights actions that are essential and necessary.

groundbreaking initiatives

Emphasizes innovative and pioneering efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "significant steps" in a sentence?

You can use "significant steps" to highlight important actions taken towards a goal, such as "The company has taken "significant steps" to reduce its carbon footprint."

What can I say instead of "significant steps"?

You can use alternatives like "meaningful strides", "notable advancements", or "substantial progress depending on the context.

Which is correct, "significant steps" or "major steps"?

Both "significant steps" and "major steps" are correct, but ""significant steps"" often implies a more deliberate and impactful series of actions than "major steps", which might simply refer to large-scale actions.

What's the difference between "significant steps" and "incremental improvements"?

"Significant steps" suggest substantial progress through key actions, while "incremental improvements" refer to small, gradual changes over time.