stepping stone

USAGE SUMMARY

"stepping stone" is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe an event, situation, or person that helps you progress or move forward. For example, "I'm grateful for the job I found—it's been a great stepping stone toward my future career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I'd call that an energy stepping stone, though.

University of California, Berkeley

Well done, The sky is ur stepping stone.

Cornell University

Buckland sees Sochi as a "big stepping stone".

The Guardian - Sport

I can understand your frustration, Rhona, if you're just taking baby steps all the time, from stepping stone to stepping stone.

The Guardian

"The World Cup's a stepping stone.

BBC

"The Commonwealth Games is an ideal stepping stone.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Then cross on the makeshift stepping stones.

The Guardian - Travel

Lanterns and stepping stones heighten the Japanese mood.

The New York Times - Travel

Pah! Mere stepping stones to a much more intriguing assignment.

The Guardian - Sport

He set maxims before his son like stepping stones.

The New Yorker

Reframe struggles as stepping stones.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stepping stone" when you want to convey the idea that something is a valuable, but not necessarily final, step towards achieving a larger goal. For instance, "This internship is a great "stepping stone" to my dream job."

Common error

Avoid using "stepping stone" to describe something that is, in fact, the ultimate goal. Using it implies that there's something more significant to come, so ensure the context reflects this accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepping stone" primarily functions as a noun, often used attributively. Ludwig identifies it frequently describing something that serves as an intermediate stage or a means of progress towards a larger goal, aligning with its dictionary definition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stepping stone" is a common noun phrase that describes something that facilitates progress toward a larger goal. Ludwig's examples show it's used across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and academia. The phrase is grammatically sound, frequently used, and generally appropriate for neutral to formal registers. Ludwig AI affirms that it is an appropriate phrase to use in written English, to describe something that helps you progress or move forward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

way forward

Focuses on the concept of progress and advancement, but it is more generic and doesn't necessarily imply a sequence of steps.

means of advancement

Highlights the method used to move ahead, rather than the sequential nature of "stepping stone".

avenue for progress

Emphasizes the opportunities for improvement or forward movement.

pathway to success

Specifically directs towards a successful outcome, whereas "stepping stone" can be a part of a longer journey without guaranteeing success.

springboard to success

Suggests a launching point that propels one towards success, often with a greater sense of momentum.

building block

Implies that something is a fundamental component in a larger structure or process.

launching pad

Suggests a starting point for a significant venture or project.

intermediate stage

Indicates a phase between two points, but doesn't necessarily imply a positive progression.

transitional phase

Highlights a period of change or transformation, without emphasizing progress or forward movement.

gateway

Suggests an entrance or access point, often to something larger or more significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "stepping stone" to describe something that helps you progress toward a goal, like a job or experience. For example: "This job is a "stepping stone" to a better career opportunity."

What can I say instead of "stepping stone"?

You can use alternatives like "way forward", "means of advancement", or "avenue for progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "stepping stones" instead of "stepping stone"?

Yes, "stepping stones" (plural) can refer to multiple steps or factors contributing to progress. The singular "stepping stone" refers to one particular step.

What is the difference between "stepping stone" and "milestone"?

A "stepping stone" is a stage in a process, a means of getting somewhere, while a "milestone" signifies a significant achievement or progress point along the way. A milestone can be the final target.