step on the escalator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "step on the escalator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to get onto an escalator, typically in a public place like a shopping mall or train station. Example: "When you reach the second floor, please step on the escalator to continue to the food court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"It's a step on the escalator of political freedom".

The New York Times

They're trying to get a step on the escalator.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mrs. Weiss, who graduated from Marymount University with a political science degree in 1991, stepped on the escalator of national politics through a series of B-level jobs.

The New York Times - Style

"A returning veteran does not step back on the escalator at the same point he stepped off," says Navy Capt.

Forbes

When someone steps on, the escalators should accelerate gradually to the full speed over a few seconds.

The New York Times

The rest of the time the area remains silent except for when someone steps on the escalators.

Los Angeles Times

ALEXANDRA and THEODORA RICHARDS, the daughters of KEITH, stepped off the escalator.

The New York Times

Rather these behavioral properties reflect the emergence of a habitual escalator-specific motor program tightly coupled with cues taken at the moment of stepping onto the escalator (e.g. visual, somatosensory, and/or sole's cutaneous information).

Plosone

And then we'll take turns drafting policy, and if one of us disagrees we'll just cock a thumb at the other guy and chirp, "Hail to the Chief!" August 14 , 2004— There's only one thing left to do, the final step on my escalator to ecstasy: I'm going to tell him.

The New Yorker

She placed her right foot (she was wearing flip-flops) on the lowest step, and as the escalator rose, she put her left foot on the step below it.

The New York Times

"Absolutely pathetic," Brandon Jacobs said after the Giants rushed for 29 yards and, absent many holes, he seemed to be running as if reluctant to step on an escalator.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, use "step on the escalator" to clearly instruct someone to enter and begin using the escalator for movement to another floor.

Common error

While variations exist, simpler phrases like "get on the escalator" are often more direct and easily understood, especially in public settings. Using overly formal alternatives may sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step on the escalator" functions as an instructional phrase, typically used to direct or describe the action of entering an escalator. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "step on the escalator" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for instructing someone to enter an escalator. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While various alternatives like "get on the escalator" and "board the escalator" exist, this phrase is suitable for a range of contexts, primarily in news, general information, and scientific writing. Be sure to use clear and simple language when giving directions to avoid confusion, and remember simpler alternatives might be more effective in everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

board the escalator

Replaces "step" with "board", emphasizing the act of entering the escalator.

get on the escalator

Uses "get on" instead of "step on", a more common and informal way to describe entering the escalator.

enter the escalator

Replaces "step on" with "enter", providing a more formal and general term for beginning to use the escalator.

mount the escalator

Uses "mount" to suggest ascending the escalator, adding a sense of upward movement.

use the escalator

Focuses on the action of using the escalator, rather than the specific act of stepping onto it.

access the escalator

Highlights gaining access to the escalator, suitable when emphasizing availability or permission.

approach the escalator

Focuses on moving towards the escalator, rather than the action of getting on it.

begin riding the escalator

Emphasizes the start of the escalator ride, suitable for detailed descriptions.

start up the escalator

Uses "start up" to imply the initiation of an upward journey on the escalator.

take the escalator

General instruction to choose an escalator, instead of an elevator for example, to go up or down.

FAQs

What is the best way to say "step on the escalator"?

Alternatives include "get on the escalator" or "board the escalator", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Can I use "step onto the escalator" instead of "step on the escalator"?

Yes, "step onto the escalator" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, but "step on the escalator" is more common in everyday usage.

Is it correct to say "step in the escalator"?

No, the correct phrase is "step on the escalator". "Step in the escalator" is not idiomatic and does not accurately describe the action.

What does it mean to "ride the escalator"?

"Ride the escalator" refers to standing or walking on the moving staircase to travel between floors, whereas "step on the escalator" refers to the initial action of getting onto it.