steps toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steps toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate progress or actions taken in the direction of a goal or objective. Example: "We are making significant steps toward achieving our sustainability goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Baby Steps Toward Healing Hearing.

Science Magazine

See, "Kraft's Steps Toward Becoming The Cheesiest".

Forbes

Amadeo steps toward Manuel.

The New Yorker

Google had taken smaller steps toward this.

The New York Times

Steps toward reprivatization began in 1986.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He steps toward the desk.

The New Yorker

He steps toward the bed.

The New Yorker

We've taken some steps toward that.

The New York Times

"We are taking baby steps toward democracy..

The Guardian

Future steps toward disarmament must be irreversible.

The New York Times

He took a few steps toward them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of actions, use "steps toward" to clearly indicate that these actions are contributing to a larger, overarching goal. This provides context and emphasizes the purpose behind the individual actions.

Common error

Avoid using "steps toward" when the actions described have already fully achieved the desired outcome. Instead, reserve this phrase for situations where progress is being made, but the final goal remains outstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steps toward" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It typically indicates actions or measures taken in the direction of a specific goal or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes forward movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steps toward" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies progress towards a goal. As Ludwig AI validates, it's versatile enough for various contexts, with frequent use in news and media, scientific research, and general writing. Alternatives like "progressing towards" or "advancing toward" can be used for variety. Use "steps toward" to indicate ongoing progress, avoiding its misuse to describe completed achievements. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects the phrase's grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing towards

This alternative emphasizes continuous movement and development in the direction of a goal.

advancing toward

This alternative suggests a forward movement, highlighting the act of getting closer to something.

moving closer to

This alternative explicitly indicates a reduction in distance, both literally and figuratively.

working towards

This alternative emphasizes effort and active participation in achieving a goal.

gearing up for

This alternative implies preparation and readiness to take action toward something.

on the road to

This alternative creates a sense of journey and progression toward a destination.

making headway in

This alternative highlights the progress being made, suggesting that obstacles are being overcome.

taking action on

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of actions intended to impact something

approaching

A more concise way of saying achieving or moving towards something

contributing to

Highlights the contributive aspect of an action, emphasizing the positive effects towards the achievement of an aim

FAQs

How can I use "steps toward" in a sentence?

You can use "steps toward" to describe actions or measures taken to achieve a particular goal. For example: "These are important "steps toward" restoring vital consumer protections."

What are some alternatives to "steps toward"?

Some alternatives to "steps toward" include "progressing towards", "advancing toward", or "moving closer to", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "steps toward" in formal writing?

Yes, "steps toward" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.

What's the difference between "steps toward" and "achievements in"?

"Steps toward" implies ongoing progress, while "achievements in" suggests completed accomplishments. You would use "steps toward" to describe actions being taken and "achievements in" to highlight finished successes.