take a step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

'take a step forward' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to make progress or to take some sort of action. For example, you might say, "If we want to get ahead, we have to take a step forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We need to take a step forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"Take a step forward if you like drawing!" he beckoned.

The New York Times

"If anything, we will take a step forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"Some people say we need to take a step forward.

The New Yorker

"We take a step forward and fall back," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We take a step forward, then five back".

The New York Times - Sports

Help them take a step forward every day.

Harvard Business Review

Disrupters take a step forward, gather feedback, and adapt accordingly.

Harvard Business Review

4.Reflect — Reflection takes a step back in order to take a step forward.

Columbia University

"Either I'm going to take a step forward, or take a step out".

The New York Times - Sports

"I think he should take a step forward from the Fountain of Youth," Matz said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a step forward" to encourage proactive behavior and tangible progress in both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Instead of passively stating that progress will be made, use "take a step forward" to actively encourage making progress. For example, instead of "A solution will take a step forward", try "Let's take a step forward and find a solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a step forward" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating an action of advancement or progress. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from personal development to strategic planning, emphasizing its role in initiating positive change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a step forward" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies progress and advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various domains. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts but also holds relevance in science and business, conveying a neutral yet encouraging tone. When writing, remember to use it actively to inspire tangible progress and, in some cases, recognize the need to "take a step back to take a step forward". Consider alternatives like "make progress" or "move ahead" for nuanced expression, and avoid the non-idiomatic "make a step forward".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

Focuses on the general act of advancing towards a goal.

advance

Highlights the movement forward, often in a strategic sense.

move ahead

Emphasizes continuing forward, particularly after a pause or obstacle.

make headway

Suggests overcoming difficulties while progressing.

push forward

Implies effort and determination in advancing.

forge ahead

Conveys a sense of creating a path while moving forward.

gain ground

Focuses on improving one's position or advantage.

turn the page

Implies overcoming a challenge and starting anew.

get somewhere

Conveys the achievement of a degree of advancement or success.

look ahead

Focuses on anticipating and planning for future progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "take a step forward" to describe making progress or advancing towards a goal. For example: "We need to "take a step forward" in our negotiations to reach an agreement."

What are some alternatives to "take a step forward"?

Alternatives include "make progress", "advance", or "move ahead". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take a step forward" or "make a step forward"?

"Take a step forward" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct choice. "Make a step forward" is not a standard expression and should be avoided.

When should I use "take a step back to take a step forward"?

Use "take a step back to take a step forward" when you need to temporarily retreat or reassess a situation in order to make better progress later. It implies that sometimes, slowing down or reconsidering your approach is necessary for long-term success.