sufficient step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficient step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing actions or measures that are adequate or necessary to achieve a particular goal or outcome. Example: "Implementing a recycling program is a sufficient step towards reducing our environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"It's not a sufficient step.

The New York Times

It is a necessary but not sufficient step.

The Guardian

Reintroducing cash into the economy "is a necessary, but not sufficient step to joining the world economy".

The New York Times

His resignation is a necessary but hardly sufficient step in restoring the nation's commitment to the rule of law.

The New York Times

Mr Gales's reinvention of Peugeot is a necessary but not sufficient step in the right direction.

The Economist

report suggested that assigning regulators to look for such risks was a necessary, but not sufficient, step.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

But it said the corporation had failed to take sufficient steps to stop it happening again.

The Guardian

Whether it can prove sufficient steps are being taken to avoid censure, only time will tell.

Independent

I should have taken sufficient steps to ensure that everything I did was consensual.

Independent

And will the legislation emerging in Washington take sufficient steps to control costs?

The New York Times

The regulator found RT had taken "sufficient steps to limit the potential for offence", according to the Ofcom spokesman.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufficient step" when you want to emphasize that an action, while perhaps not complete, is adequate or necessary for a specific purpose. It often implies further actions may be needed.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient step" when the action is truly comprehensive or fully resolves an issue. The phrase implies adequacy, not necessarily completeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient step" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sufficient" modifies the noun "step". It typically serves to describe an action or measure that is adequate or meets a certain requirement, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sufficient step" is a phrase used to describe an action or measure that is adequate or meets the necessary requirements, though potentially not fully comprehensive. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it implies adequacy, remember it doesn't necessarily mean completeness; more actions might still be required. Consider alternatives like "adequate measure" or "appropriate action" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure that the action being described is truly adequate but not necessarily exhaustive to avoid overstating its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate measure

Focuses on the adequacy of the action, emphasizing that it meets the required standard.

appropriate measure

Highlights the suitability of the action to the end goal.

satisfactory action

Highlights that the action is good enough to meet the specific requirements.

suitable procedure

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the method or process.

fitting action

Focuses on how well the action matches the situation.

acceptable move

Indicates the action is permissible or satisfactory within given constraints.

requisite measure

Emphasizes that the action is required and adequate.

enough initiative

Focuses on the undertaking being satisfactory or adequate.

decent effort

Focuses on the effort made being acceptable.

competent measure

Highlights the action is carried out with reasonable skill and effectiveness.

FAQs

What does "sufficient step" mean?

The phrase "sufficient step" refers to an action or measure that is adequate or necessary to achieve a particular purpose or goal, though it might not be the only step required.

How can I use "sufficient step" in a sentence?

You might say, "Implementing a new policy is a "sufficient step" towards improving workplace safety, but more training is also necessary."

Are there any alternatives to "sufficient step"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adequate measure", "appropriate action", or "satisfactory step".

Is "sufficient step" the same as "necessary step"?

While similar, a "necessary step" is required, whereas a "sufficient step" is adequate but might not be the only requirement. A sufficient step can be a necessary one, but not every necessary step is sufficient on its own.