stepping stone for

USAGE SUMMARY

"stepping stone for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that will help you to reach a goal or that will make it easier for you to accomplish something. For example, "The online course I took was a great stepping stone for my career in accounting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Multiply alkynylated ferrocenes and cyclobutadiene cyclopentadienyl cobalt complexes are utilized as stepping stone for complex carbon-rich organometallics.

Journal of Organometallic Chemistry

"Kansas City was a career stepping stone for him," she said.

Huffington Post

This model forms a stepping stone for modeling human metabolic phenotypes.

BMC Systems Biology

Plantations could also become a future stepping stone for transitioning to secondary forest ecosystem recovery (Vieira et al. 2009).

Environmental Management

Jahn, Elke and Michael Rosholm (2012): "Is Temporary Agency Employment a Stepping Stone for Immigrants?" IZA discussion paper no.

IZA Journal of Migration

"It's a stepping stone for national mobilization and nation-building.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's a stepping-stone for him".

The New York Times - Sports

Leipzig became the stepping-stone for Telemann's musical career.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hopefully it will work as a stepping-stone for everyone involved".

The Guardian

The same holds for the commission's internship programme, a stepping-stone for all manner of EU-related jobs.

The Economist

"We're not looking to be a stepping-stone for anyone.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stepping stone for", ensure that the sentence clearly defines what the stepping stone is and what it leads to. This provides clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "stepping stone for" when describing an end goal in itself. The phrase implies progress toward a further objective, not a final destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stepping stone for" functions as a linking device, connecting a current action or event to a future goal. It often serves as an attributive phrase describing something that aids in progression. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stepping stone for" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes something serving as an intermediate stage toward achieving a larger goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying both the stepping stone and the intended destination. Alternatives like ""foundation for"" or ""launchpad for"" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stepping-stone to

Hyphenated version of the query that changes the emphasis in the compound adjective; less about a literal stone more about the figurative path.

springboard to

Implies momentum and a leap forward to a new level or opportunity.

launchpad for

Conveys a sense of strong impetus or beginning for a new venture.

building block for

Emphasizes foundational aspect; each block contributes to a larger structure.

foundation for

Similar to basis, but implies a more solid and permanent support.

basis for

Highlights the fundamental nature of one thing supporting another.

precursor to

Indicates something that comes before and influences what follows.

catalyst for

Suggests something that initiates or accelerates a process.

doorway to

Suggests entry or access to new possibilities.

pathway to

Implies a sequence of actions or steps leading towards something.

FAQs

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

Use "stepping stone for" to describe an action or achievement that facilitates further progress or opens up new opportunities. For instance, "This internship is a "stepping stone for" my future career goals".

What are some alternatives to "stepping stone for"?

Alternatives include "foundation for", "launchpad for", or "springboard to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "step stone for" instead of "stepping stone for"?

While understandable, "step stone for" is not the standard or commonly accepted form. "Stepping stone for" is the idiomatic and preferred expression.

What's the difference between "stepping stone for" and "milestone for"?

"Stepping stone for" implies a stage on a path to something greater, whereas "milestone for" denotes a significant achievement or event in itself. A stepping stone helps you get somewhere, a milestone marks where you are.