take certain steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take certain steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific actions or measures that need to be undertaken to achieve a goal or address a situation. Example: "To improve our sales performance, we need to take certain steps to enhance our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Unless we take certain steps.

The New York Times

The United States has asked Israel to take certain steps, and Mr. Netanyahu has yet to respond.

The New York Times

Probation would have required the companies to take certain steps, like helping to rebuild public confidence in the safety of heart devices, in addition to paying a fine.

The New York Times - Health

"The judge," Mr. Cohan added, "was basically saying the law requires you to take certain steps, but you don't have procedures in place to do that".

The New York Times

"Yemen has a bad record, and it's still a place where the government is unable or unwilling to take certain steps against certain terrorist groups.

The New York Times

Ryan Ledson will have a future in our first team, so will Kieran Dowell but they need to take certain steps before they get to the first team".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

I have taken certain steps prior to this date.

The New York Times

New York clearly ought to have taken certain steps a while back, no-brainers after the fact.

The New York Times - Arts

Recent US legislation could block annual aid to Egypt unless it takes certain steps.

The Guardian

Family, friends and even the celebrity culture can all make us feel that we should be taking certain steps and often doing them in a particular way.

Independent

They start with questions, Jobbins said: "What are the top four or five reasons people here aren't taking certain steps?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take certain steps", ensure the context clearly indicates what those steps are, either explicitly or implicitly. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid using "take certain steps" as a placeholder for concrete actions. Replace it with specific verbs and nouns to clarify your message and provide actionable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take certain steps" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of performing specific, though not explicitly defined, actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take certain steps" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the need to perform specific actions to achieve a goal or address a situation. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as correct and usable. While grammatically sound and common across various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's crucial to ensure clarity by either explicitly stating the steps or making them clear within the context. When more specificity is needed, consider using alternatives such as "adopt specific measures" or "implement particular actions".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt specific measures

Emphasizes a more formal and deliberate implementation of actions.

implement particular actions

Highlights the execution and putting into effect of specific actions.

undertake necessary procedures

Focuses on established methods or processes that need to be followed.

carry out required actions

Stresses the obligatory nature of the actions being performed.

execute defined tasks

Implies a structured and pre-determined set of tasks to be completed.

initiate prescribed steps

Highlights the beginning of a series of steps that are officially recommended or required.

enact specific protocols

Suggests the implementation of formal rules or guidelines.

pursue determined courses of action

Emphasizes a focused and resolute approach in achieving a goal.

apply strategic interventions

Implies a calculated and purposeful approach to influencing a situation.

exercise precise maneuvers

Focuses on skillful and exact movements or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "take certain steps" in a sentence?

Use "take certain steps" when you want to indicate that specific actions are necessary to achieve a particular outcome. For instance, "To improve your health, you need to take certain steps, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet."

What can I say instead of "take certain steps"?

You can use alternatives like "adopt specific measures", "implement particular actions", or "undertake necessary procedures" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific about the steps instead of saying "take certain steps"?

Yes, being specific is generally better. While "take certain steps" is grammatically correct, providing specific actions makes your communication clearer and more actionable.

What is the difference between "take certain steps" and "take some steps"?

"Take certain steps" implies that the steps are pre-determined or necessary, whereas "take some steps" suggests a more general or exploratory approach. The former is more definitive, while the latter is less so.