take constructive steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take constructive steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions that are positive and aimed at improving a situation or solving a problem. Example: "To address the issues raised in the meeting, we need to take constructive steps towards finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Rather than waiting for the next catastrophe, we can take constructive steps now to protect those in harm's way.

The New York Times

"There are limits to the amount of time and effort that the United States can spend if the parties themselves are unable to take constructive steps.

The Guardian

The Obama administration, for its part, is now insisting on public assurances from Israel that it will take constructive steps to resuscitate the peace talks.

The New York Times

I'm also in full agreement with Dr. Pinker and the other letter writers about our capacity to take constructive steps to diminish the dangers we face.

The New York Times

"It is essential that [North Korea] refrain from further provocative action and take constructive steps towards denuclearisation and lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula".

The Guardian

Israel can and must take constructive steps to advance the reality of two states based on the 1967 borders, with land swaps — regardless of whether Palestinian leaders have agreed to accept it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The latest evidence from the UN experts, obtained by the news agency Reuters, comes after the UK reinstated aid to Rwanda, claiming that the government there had taken "constructive" steps to halt the conflict over the border in the DRC.

Independent

Speaking after the markup, Mikulski said that NSF has taken "constructive steps" in the past year to address her concerns about its overall management practices, including the quality of the work environment, the use of rotators in senior positions, and its oversight of grants.

Science Magazine

The Palestinian Authority has already taken constructive unilateral steps by seeking United Nations recognition as a state and building the institutions of statehood in the West Bank.

The New York Times

"I can take constructive criticism, but people go one step further and say you are finished and can't run anymore," Gerrard told BT Sport.

BBC

Take constructive comments seriously.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for tangible progress, use "take constructive steps" to clearly communicate the intention to act positively and effectively.

Common error

Avoid pairing "take constructive steps" with overly abstract goals. Instead, specify the concrete actions being taken to achieve a defined outcome. For example, instead of saying 'We will take constructive steps to improve morale', specify 'We will take constructive steps such as implementing flexible work hours and providing professional development opportunities to improve morale'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take constructive steps" functions as a verb phrase indicating a course of action. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its use in contexts where active measures are being proposed or implemented to address a particular issue. The phrase emphasizes a proactive and solution-oriented approach.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take constructive steps" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies proactive and positive actions aimed at improving a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a variety of settings. When using "take constructive steps", it's best to be specific about the actions being taken to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "make positive efforts" or "adopt a proactive approach" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make positive efforts

Emphasizes the exertion of effort with a positive intention, differing in the specific action taken.

adopt a proactive approach

Focuses on anticipating future problems and acting preventatively, shifting the emphasis from immediate action.

implement positive measures

Highlights the introduction and application of specific actions or regulations with a positive effect, less focused on the initial decision to act.

pursue beneficial actions

Stresses the active pursuit of actions that lead to advantages or improvements, foregrounding the ongoing nature of the activity.

undertake remedial actions

Implies rectifying a problem or deficiency, contrasting with the more general improvement suggested by the original phrase.

initiate ameliorative measures

Suggests beginning steps that specifically aim to improve conditions, sounding more formal.

enact reforms

Focuses on implementing structural changes, differing from the more general 'steps'.

foster positive developments

Emphasizes the cultivation and encouragement of progress, rather than the direct execution of steps.

advance progressive policies

Focuses on promoting policies that are forward-thinking and aimed at societal betterment, narrowing the scope to policy matters.

develop strategic initiatives

Emphasizes the planning and development of well-thought-out projects, making it more about planning than execution.

FAQs

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

You can use "take constructive steps" to describe actions that are positive and intended to improve a situation. For instance, "The organization needs to "take constructive steps" to address the environmental concerns raised by the community."

What are some alternatives to "take constructive steps"?

Alternatives include "make positive efforts", "adopt a proactive approach", or "implement positive measures", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "take constructive steps" or "take positive steps"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "take constructive steps" emphasizes actions that are deliberately designed to build or improve something, while "take positive steps" simply highlights the beneficial nature of the actions. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What does it mean to "take constructive steps"?

To "take constructive steps" means to initiate actions that are designed to improve a situation, solve a problem, or achieve a positive outcome. These steps are typically well-thought-out and contribute to progress or improvement.