step on the road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'step on the road' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to taking a first step towards something, such as a journey or a goal. For example: "When she was feeling discouraged, she remembered her coach's advice to take the first step on the road to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is just one step on the road to regaining our rights.

The Guardian

SURGERY, as any doctor knows, is just one step on the road to recovery.

The Economist

It is one step on the road toward knowing two languages.

The New York Times

You're just one more step on the road to success.

The Guardian

"But it's a step on the road," Macintosh said.

Stanford University

That's at least a step on the road to reality.

University of California, Berkeley

A first step on the road to salvation?

Independent

But it may be a step on the road.

The Economist

It was the first step on the road to recovery.

Independent

School is the first step on the road to independence.

The New York Times

The studies were Phase 3 trials, a last step on the road to drug approval.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "step on the road" to emphasize that an action is part of a longer process. For example, "Adopting this new technology is a significant "step on the road" to modernizing our operations."

Common error

While "step on the road" is a valid idiom, overuse can make your writing sound cliché. Mix it up with alternatives like "milestone", "starting point", or "initial phase" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "step on the road" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a noun phrase within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is generally considered correct and usable. It often serves to describe an action or event that marks progress toward a specific goal or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "step on the road" is a common and generally accepted phrase used to denote progress or initiation toward a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable in a wide array of writing contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, followed by academia, conveying a sense of advancement in a journey or process. While versatile, it’s important to avoid overuse and consider related alternatives like "starting point" or "initial move" to maintain writing freshness. The phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase, expressing the idea of forward movement. Top sources utilizing this phrase include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting point

Focuses on the origin or the place where something begins.

first move

Highlights the priority of the action.

early stage

Refers to the initial phase of a process or project.

initial move

This alternative emphasizes the beginning of an action or process.

preliminary action

This alternative emphasizes that the step is preparatory and comes before further actions.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic initial move, often used in negotiations or competitive situations.

incipient phase

Highlights the early and developing nature of the stage.

threshold of change

This alternative conveys the point at which a significant transformation begins.

the dawn of progress

This is a more metaphorical alternative, suggesting the beginning of improvement or advancement.

genesis of success

This option implies the creation or origin of a successful outcome.

FAQs

What does "step on the road" mean?

The phrase "step on the road" means taking an initial action or making progress toward a goal or objective. It suggests that the action is part of a longer journey or process.

How can I use "step on the road" in a sentence?

You can use "step on the road" to indicate progress. For example, "Completing this training program is a crucial "step on the road" to becoming a certified professional."

What can I say instead of "step on the road"?

You can use alternatives like "starting point", "first step", or "initial move" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a step in the right direction" or "step on the road"?

Both phrases are valid, but "a step in the right direction" implies that the action is generally positive and moves towards an improvement, while "step on the road" suggests the beginning of a longer journey towards a specific goal. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.