step in time

USAGE SUMMARY

"step in time" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is often used in a figurative sense to mean keeping pace or staying in rhythm. It originally comes from the song "Step in Time" from the musical Mary Poppins. Example: As the dancers moved across the stage, they stepped in time with the music, their feet tapping in perfect rhythm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"We're going to get to that," he said, "each step in time".

The New York Times

Van Dyke performed Step in Time, the frenetic Poppins number, with dancers at least 60 years his junior.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A crucial scene - one of the best in the film and the first backward step in time - involves Gilles's gay elder brother and his unfaithful, young live-in lover coming to dinner.

The Guardian

Rehearsals were about to begin for "Dick Van Dyke — Step in Time! — A Musical Memoir," in which Van Dyke and the Vantastix will perform songs from his career and he will tell stories and dance ("Me Ol' Bamboo," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"), arthritis permitting.

The New Yorker

The liveliest dancing comes in the "Step in Time" sequence, where chimney sweeps tap like troupers from "42nd Street" on the rooftops of London (a setting that allows the sage Bert to observe, "Troubles are never so bad when you can look at them from a little higher up").

The New York Times

Every one cycle of calculations progresses fluid flow one time step in time.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Dancing starts with your feet, and even a simple two-step in time can make you look like you know what you are doing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his 1959 memoir, "Steps in Time," Astaire called Ms. Charisse "beautiful dynamite".

The New York Times - Arts

As he said in his autobiography, Steps in Time (1959), "I have no desire to prove anything by it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Hyperion Theater at the end of the street offers Disney's "Steps in Time" show, an old-fashioned live revue with decidedly new-fashioned steps.

The New York Times - Travel

So we had our little uniforms and we stepped in time, and then we just fell out of time with each other".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific synonym, such as "move in sync" or "keep in rhythm", would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "step in time" literally when a simple descriptor of movement is needed. For instance, instead of saying "They stepped in time across the room", it's clearer to say "They walked across the room together."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step in time" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression indicating the need to synchronize actions or progress at a consistent pace with something else, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step in time" is a grammatically correct and idiomatically sound phrase indicating synchronization or maintaining a rhythm. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a neutral term suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and science. While it's not extremely common, understanding its proper use can enhance clarity and precision in writing. Be mindful of the figurative meaning and consider synonyms like ""move in sync"" or "keep in rhythm" for specific nuances. Avoiding literal interpretations when a more direct description is appropriate will further refine your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep in rhythm

Emphasizes maintaining a consistent beat or pace.

move in sync

Focuses on synchronized movement rather than temporal progression.

walk in step

Similar to marching, but less formal and emphasizes synchronized walking.

progress steadily

Stresses consistent forward movement.

advance gradually

Highlights the incremental nature of progress.

march in unison

Implies coordinated movement, often in a formal or military context.

proceed methodically

Focuses on a structured and planned approach.

develop incrementally

Emphasizes gradual development over time.

act in concert

Highlights coordinated action towards a common goal.

evolve gradually

Suggests a slow and natural process of change.

FAQs

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

You can use "step in time" to describe actions that need to be synchronized or performed at a certain pace. For example, "The dancers had to "move in sync" and "step in time" with the music".

What is the origin of the phrase "step in time"?

The phrase "step in time" is popularized by the song "Step in Time" from the musical Mary Poppins, where it refers to synchronized dancing.

Are there any formal alternatives to "step in time"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "proceed methodically" or "develop incrementally" to convey a similar idea of gradual progress.

What's the difference between "step in time" and "keep in rhythm"?

"Step in time" often implies synchronization with an external element or goal, while "keep in rhythm" primarily refers to maintaining a consistent beat or pace.