small steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"small steps" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to progress that is made gradually, bit by bit, over time. For example, "Although it may seem impossible now, with enough small steps forward, you will eventually reach your goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Small steps then.

The Guardian - Sport

Small steps perhaps.

The Economist

Small steps, but progress.

Independent

Small steps; large possibilities.

The New York Times

Use small steps.

The New York Times

"Just take small steps".

The New York Times - Sports

Ah well, small steps.

The Guardian

These are small steps.

The New York Times

It happened by small steps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small steps are still steps.

The Guardian - Sport

Small steps first, ever increasing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with verbs of action such as "take", "proceed" or "measure" to emphasize the proactive nature of the gradual progress.

Common error

Do not use the phrase to describe a single, massive leap or a non-sequential event. For instance, winning an award is a result, not a "small step", unless you are describing the daily effort that led up to it. The phrase implies a series or a sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase used both literally and metaphorically. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often acts as the subject or object of a sentence to denote incremental progress. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and widely used expression in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small steps" is an essential tool for any writer looking to describe progress that is made bit by bit over time. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase found in elite publications like The New York Times and The Economist. Whether you are writing a motivational blog post, a scientific report or a news article, this phrase effectively conveys that long-term goals are reached through steady, manageable efforts. It is particularly useful in contexts where a "step-by-step" approach is being encouraged or documented. Overall, it serves as a powerful metaphor for persistence and gradual transformation in both personal and professional spheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

baby steps

uses a more colloquial tone often associated with personal growth or learning

incremental progress

provides a more formal and professional vocabulary suited for business contexts

gradual improvements

focuses specifically on the positive outcome resulting from the progression

step-by-step approach

emphasizes the methodical and structured nature of the process

little by little

functions as an adverbial phrase that highlights the passage of time during progress

bit by bit

offers a rhythmic and idiomatic alternative for a more casual feel

minor adjustments

shifts the focus toward slight changes in a process rather than just forward motion

steady advances

suggests a more consistent and reliable forward trajectory

modest gains

quantifies the progress as being small but nonetheless measurable and positive

fractional changes

uses technical or mathematical terminology to imply extremely tiny shifts

FAQs

How to use "small steps" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe gradual progress, for example: "Success is rarely instant; it is usually achieved through many "small steps" forward."

What is the difference between "small steps" and "baby steps"?

While both mean gradual progress, "baby steps" is more informal and colloquial, whereas "small steps" is neutral and suitable for professional writing.

What can I say instead of "small steps" in a formal report?

In professional or academic settings, you can use "incremental progress" or "gradual advancement" to convey the same meaning with higher formality.

Is it "small steps" or "short steps"?

"small steps" is typically used metaphorically for progress, while "short steps" usually refers to the physical length of a person's stride when walking.