substantial step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant improvement or progress made in a particular area or situation. Example: "The new policy represents a substantial step forward in our efforts to promote sustainability within the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There, Ms. Gill Hearn said: "This guilty plea was a substantial step forward in this case.

The New York Times

He sees a substantial step forward too in other areas of public life, notably entertainment and athletics.

The Guardian

"This is a substantial step forward," Mr. Glantz said at a news conference that followed disclosure of the report.

The New York Times

Dr. Douglas Mann, a heart failure expert at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine who also was not involved in the study, called it "a substantial step forward".

The New York Times

"Trade and investment issues remain high on our agenda, and we have made a substantial step forward by launching negotiation on an investment agreement, covering both investment protection and market access," Herman Van Rompuy, president of the European Council, which represents member governments, said at the meeting.

The New York Times

Freeing the prisoners, which President Obama praised as a "substantial step forward for democratic reform," was one of the most significant gestures yet by Myanmar's new civilian government to address international concerns about the country's repressive history, which led to decades of diplomatic and economic isolation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A few, though, are more substantial steps forward.

The New York Times - Tech

Britain has taken substantial steps forward since my mum's first days here but the undercurrents of bigotry are still strong.

The Guardian - Opinion

This week, the College Board announced four major changes, all of which represent substantial steps forward.

Huffington Post

Prioritizing substantial steps forward in terms of ideology, Zhao's success in 1987 didn't translate immediately into action.

Huffington Post

While substantial steps forward have been made in terms of moving asylum seekers out of the camps and into apartments (7,715) and hotels (10,721), and despite the efforts to integrate children in Greek schools, the long-term perspective is still lacking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure clarity, follow "substantial step forward" with a "in" prepositional phrase to specify the area where the progress was made: "a substantial step forward in cancer treatment".

Common error

Avoid using "substantial step forward" in contexts where a literal, physical step is meant; the phrase is generally used to describe progress or advancement rather than physical movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial step forward" primarily functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant improvement or advancement in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples show it often follows verbs like 'is', 'represents', or 'made' to highlight progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial step forward" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express significant progress or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in various writing contexts. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific sources, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of progress, and consider varying your language for greater impact. Alternatives like "significant advance" or "major breakthrough" can offer nuanced alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant advance

Emphasizes the degree of progress made.

major breakthrough

Highlights a sudden and important discovery or achievement.

considerable progress

Focuses on the extent of the advancement achieved.

notable improvement

Stresses the positive change that has occurred.

marked advancement

Highlights a clear and easily noticeable step forward.

significant leap

Implies a large and important move forward.

great stride

Indicates a significant and positive development.

meaningful development

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the advancement.

positive shift

Suggests a change in direction that is beneficial.

real headway

Focuses on tangible progress being made.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial step forward" to describe significant progress or improvement in a particular area. For example, "The new policy represents a "substantial step forward" in environmental conservation".

What are some alternatives to "substantial step forward"?

Alternatives to "substantial step forward" include "significant advance", "major breakthrough", or "considerable progress". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "substantial step forward" formal or informal?

"Substantial step forward" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for use in professional, academic, and news contexts. It can effectively convey the significance of an achievement without being overly casual or technical.

What's the difference between "substantial step forward" and "incremental improvement"?

"Substantial step forward" indicates a significant and noticeable advancement, while "incremental improvement" suggests gradual and small changes. Use "substantial step forward" when highlighting a major leap in progress, and "incremental improvement" when describing continuous, but minor, enhancements.