stepping by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stepping by" is not commonly used in written English and may not be considered correct in standard contexts.
It could be interpreted as a casual way to indicate passing by or moving past something, but it lacks clarity and is not widely recognized. Example: "I saw her stepping by the café as I was leaving."

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Slice the volume list, stepping by the specified number of volumes, and put the result into the new stack name.

Harvard University

My only path is forward, stepping by inches into the cramped silver box full of silent faces.

The New York Times - Arts

Svoboda, K., Schmidt, C. F., Schnapp, B. J. & Block, S. M. Direct observation of kinesin stepping by optical trapping interferometry.

Nature

"But there was still the three of us". They lived with their mother, "stepping by" their dad on weekends.

The Guardian - Film

In the air-breathing lungfish, fins are used for stepping on the bottom in a manner that superficially resembles stepping by the legs of a salamander.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If he's walking through with the warden, wearing his 'safety and security of the institution' hat, I'll just keep stepping by".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Go step by step.

WikiHow

Kristen gives me step-by-step instructions.

Huffington Post

"Step by step".

The New York Times - Sports

Technology improved, step by step.

The New Yorker

You go step by step.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepping by" to create a sense of casual movement or progression. For example, "Deer stepping by" can create a tranquil scene.

Common error

Avoid using "stepping by" in formal writing where more precise verbs like "passing" or "progressing" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stepping by" is a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of moving past something or making progress in increments. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stepping by" describes a casual form of movement or incremental progression. While Ludwig AI indicates it may not always be grammatically standard, its usage appears across varied contexts, including News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. It’s crucial to consider the formality of your writing and choose more precise language like "passing by" or "progressing gradually" when appropriate. When used carefully, "stepping by" can add a touch of informality and vividness to descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing by

Replaces the action of "stepping" with the more general action of "passing", focusing on the act of going past something.

walking past

Similar to "passing by" but specifically indicates movement on foot.

moving along

Suggests a forward progression, either literally or figuratively.

progressing gradually

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the advancement.

advancing incrementally

Highlights the step-by-step nature of the progress.

inching forward

Implies a slow, careful, or hesitant movement.

going by

Similar to "passing by", indicating a simple act of traversing a location.

skirting around

Suggests avoiding direct contact or confrontation.

gliding past

Implies a smooth, effortless movement.

rolling by

Suitable when the subject is moving on wheels or in a vehicle.

FAQs

What does "stepping by" mean?

"Stepping by" generally implies passing a location or making incremental progress, though it is not always considered grammatically standard.

Is "stepping by" grammatically correct?

While used in various contexts, "stepping by" is considered acceptable but not always the most grammatically precise choice. Ludwig AI suggests that it's not a standard form.

What are some alternatives to "stepping by"?

You can use alternatives like "passing by", "walking past", or "moving along" depending on the context.

How can I use "stepping by" in a sentence?

You might say, "I saw deer stepping by my window", or "We are achieving our goals stepping by stepping." However, consider whether a more standard phrasing might be clearer.