step for step

USAGE SUMMARY

"step for step" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to do something slowly and carefully, taking one small step at a time. Example: The dance instructor guided the students through the complex routine step for step, ensuring that they mastered each move before moving on to the next.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Step for step, music met the slowly developing scenes".

The Guardian

A cornerback and a safety stayed on him, step for step.

The New York Times - Magazine

The grand provocations in Yeezus are matched, step for step, by its craftsmanship.

The Guardian - Music

Coles was sent down the left sideline and Madison was with him step for step.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Yusuf vowed to match the kidnappers, step for step.

The New York Times

Cornerback Will Allen ran step for step with Jefferson, his coverage almost perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

In man-to-man coverage, he seems to have a natural ability to stay with his man step-for-step.

The New York Times - Sports

Dowling, a freshman playing because Mike Parker had been beaten repeatedly, had stayed with Bowens step-for-step, but a perfect pass made that irrelevant.

The Washington Post

At the end of The Artist, it's dancing that saves our hero from obsolescence, and we have seen him practising his synchronised moves not just with his leading lady but with his dog Uggie, who matches him step-for-step throughout the film.

The Guardian - Opinion

Frustrated at the lack of progress in lower-level negotiations since Singapore, the U.S. team has signaled that it is backing off unilateral demands and is willing to consider something closer to the "step-for-step" process, sought by Pyongyang, in which both sides make concessions along the way.

The Washington Post

But he made clear that the United States would not accept Mr. Moon's proposal for an incremental process of North Korean disarmament that is accompanied by a series of concessions from the West, a so-called step-for-step strategy that Mr. Moon has suggested could take two years to conclude.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a detailed process or procedure, use "step for step" to emphasize the need for careful and methodical execution. For example: 'The recipe guides you through the baking process "step for step", ensuring a perfect result.'

Common error

Avoid using "step for step" when the instructions are already simple and self-explanatory. This can make your writing sound redundant and unnatural. Instead, opt for a more concise expression like 'Follow these instructions carefully'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step for step" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes a methodical and precise approach, often implying direct correspondence or mirroring. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Step for step" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey a methodical, precise, or imitative manner of action. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and common in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it signifies either a careful, incremental process or a direct correspondence between two actions or entities. While alternatives like "pace for pace" or "move by move" exist, "step for step" offers a unique emphasis on precision. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, be mindful of potential redundancy in simple instructions. Considering the frequency and clarity of "step for step", it remains a valuable tool for expressive and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pace for pace

Replaces "step" with "pace", focusing on the rate of movement or progress.

move by move

Emphasizes the individual actions or movements within a process.

increment by increment

Highlights the gradual accumulation of small additions.

stage by stage

Focuses on distinct phases or periods within a larger sequence.

point by point

Highlights a detailed comparison or correspondence.

level by level

Suggests upward progression through successive tiers.

notch by notch

Implies a slow, measured advancement, often against resistance.

degree by degree

Focuses on small, incremental changes in measurement or intensity.

hand in hand

Indicates simultaneous and cooperative progress.

equally

Shows balance in progression and magnitude.

FAQs

How can I use "step for step" in a sentence?

You can use "step for step" to describe a process that needs to be followed carefully and methodically, such as 'The tutorial guides you "step for step" through the software installation process'.

What does "step for step" mean?

The phrase "step for step" means to proceed gradually and carefully, ensuring each action is completed before moving on to the next. It often implies close monitoring or precise replication.

What can I say instead of "step for step"?

You can use alternatives like "pace for pace", "move by move", or "increment by increment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "step by step" or "step for step"?

The phrase "step by step" is generally more common and widely accepted. While "step for step" is also correct, it may sound less natural to some speakers. Consider using "step by step" for broader clarity.