steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'steps' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a process or series of actions that need to be taken in order to achieve a goal. An example sentence would be: "Following these three steps will help you make the best cookies ever!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

"It is regrettable that in the last few days both sides have taken steps that are not helpful and that's evident to everybody," he told reporters in Morocco.

The Guardian

The steps included increasing the broader retirement age to 65 and cutting public salaries to bring the deficit down from the current 13.6 percent of G.D.P. to less than 3 percent in 2014.

The New York Times

Organisers said on Monday that the protest would not end until Beijing changes its electoral guidelines and Leung Chun-Ying, the city's pro-Beijing chief executive, steps down.

The Guardian

We'll be reading their report closely to determine next steps".

The Guardian - Tech

These are baby steps and will have minimal impact on the lives of low-wage workers.

The Guardian - Money

"He has a great technique in his volley [but] to come to the net [effectively] you need to start with the first two, three steps, to get the feeling that you're covering and have the right position in the court".

The Guardian - Sport

The logic was simple: Sinn Fein was considered to be undertaking its baby steps in democracy.

The Guardian

Guru-Murthy steps away from the movie – dangerous when you have eight minutes, an A-lister with a reputation and four bristling PRs in the room.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is indeed situated only a few steps away from a primary school.

The Guardian

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "steps", be specific about the sequence and order in which they should be performed. Clarity in outlining the "steps" is crucial for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "steps" without providing sufficient detail about what those "steps" entail. Saying "take the necessary steps" is vague; instead, specify the actual "steps" required.

Linguistic Context

The word "steps" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to a series of actions taken to achieve a goal or to physical "stairs". As shown in the Ludwig examples, "steps" often appears in contexts discussing problem-solving or improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "steps" functions primarily as a plural noun indicating actions taken to achieve a goal or the physical stairs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common. Its register is generally neutral, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news reports to academic papers. When using "steps", ensure clarity and specificity in outlining the process. Ludwig examples highlight its frequent appearance in contexts discussing problem-solving and process outlining, making it a versatile and essential term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measures

This refers to specific actions taken to achieve a particular goal, emphasizing a more formal or official approach.

actions

This is a general term for things done, and is less specific than "steps", encompassing a wider range of activities.

procedures

This indicates a set of formal or official ways of doing something, highlighting adherence to a protocol.

stages

This refers to distinct phases in a process, emphasizing a chronological progression.

phases

Similar to stages, it denotes distinct periods in a process, often with a focus on development or change.

tactics

This refers to planned actions within a strategy, often in competitive situations.

initiatives

This suggests new or proactive actions, often aimed at addressing a particular problem or goal.

approaches

This is refers to methods or ways of dealing with a situation, emphasizing a strategic or theoretical perspective.

course of action

This refers to a sequence of actions taken to achieve a specific goal, emphasizing planning and intent.

lines of attack

A more aggressive alternative, suggesting planned strategies to overcome an obstacle or adversary.

FAQs

How can I use "steps" in a sentence?

You can use "steps" to describe a sequence of actions, like: "Following these "steps" will lead to success." or "The first "steps" involve gathering data and analyzing the results."

What are some alternatives to the word "steps"?

Alternatives include "measures", "actions", or "procedures", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "steps" or "stages"?

"Steps" implies a sequence of actions, while "stages" indicates distinct phases in a process. Use "steps" when referring to actions that need to be performed, and "stages" when describing phases of development.

What is the difference between "steps" and "footsteps"?

"Steps" refers to a series of actions or a physical staircase. "Footsteps" refers to the marks left by feet or the act of following someone's example.