take incremental steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take incremental steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a process or approach that involves making gradual progress or improvements over time. Example: "To achieve our long-term goals, we need to take incremental steps towards implementing the new strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

We will take incremental steps.

The Guardian - Business

"We have to take incremental steps to get the debt under control".

The New York Times

It has proved consistently difficult to persuade people to take incremental steps to do their bit for the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

If Catalan separatists win power on Sunday, Rivadulla believes they will take incremental steps towards independence, biding their time until a new central government take power.

The Guardian

Before seeing details of the bills, Mr. Bush denounced them, saying they "take incremental steps down the path to government-run health care for every American".

The New York Times

And although his Cabinet is deeply skeptical, some of the president's informal ­advisers have urged him to take incremental steps toward rapprochement.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The offense has taken incremental steps, but it is still not scoring enough points.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're taking incremental steps forward, as other states have," he said.

The New York Times

"By taking incremental steps in directions that are important to us, buying local becomes more of a habit".

The New York Times

The CDC has taken incremental steps to clear up public confusion and address flaws in the analysis.

The Washington Post

Until now, the central bank had been taking incremental steps to remove the generous liquidity measures it put into effect at the start of the global financial crisis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a strategy, use "take incremental steps" to underscore the importance of gradual, manageable progress towards a larger goal. It communicates a realistic and sustainable approach.

Common error

Avoid using "take incremental steps" when the situation demands immediate and decisive action. This phrase implies gradualism, which may not be suitable for urgent or critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take incremental steps" functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes a method or approach characterized by gradual progress, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take incremental steps" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that advises or describes a strategy of gradual progress. Ludwig AI confirms its positive connotation and its suitability for various contexts, especially News & Media, Science and Formal & Business. When using this phrase, it's crucial to consider whether the situation calls for gradualism or immediate action. Alternatives such as "make gradual progress" and "advance incrementally" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make gradual progress

Focuses on the overall advancement rather than the individual actions.

proceed step by step

Emphasizes the methodical and sequential nature of the advancement.

advance incrementally

Highlights the gradual and measurable nature of the progress.

move forward gradually

Stresses the slowness and deliberateness of the advancement.

adopt a phased approach

Suggests a structured and planned progression over time.

implement in stages

Focuses on the execution and rollout of a plan through successive phases.

break it down into smaller steps

Emphasizes simplifying a large task into manageable parts.

advance in stages

Similar to 'implement in stages' but more general, applicable beyond plans.

work through it gradually

Highlights a slow and consistent effort towards completion.

make steady headway

Suggests consistent and noticeable progress over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "take incremental steps" to describe a process of making gradual progress. For example: "To achieve our long-term goals, we need to "take incremental steps" towards implementing the new strategy."

What does it mean to "take incremental steps"?

To "take incremental steps" means to proceed gradually, making small advancements or improvements over time rather than attempting a large, immediate change. It suggests a measured and sustainable approach to progress.

What are some alternatives to "take incremental steps"?

Alternatives to "take incremental steps" include phrases like "make gradual progress", "proceed step by step", or "advance incrementally", depending on the specific context.

Is "take incremental steps" appropriate for urgent situations?

No, "take incremental steps" is generally not appropriate for urgent situations. It implies a slow, gradual process, which is the opposite of what's needed when immediate action is required. Instead, consider more direct and decisive language.