take steps against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take steps against' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about taking proactive measures to address or prevent something from happening. For example, "The government is taking steps against climate change by introducing incentives for renewable energy sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And you would take steps against it?

The Guardian

Ford's chairman said China should take steps against traffic congestion as its cities become increasingly crowded.

Independent

Knowing your risk can help you and your doctor take steps against the prediction coming true without overdoing it.

Harvard University

His fall accelerated as public pressure forced the military rulers of Egypt to take steps against him.

The New York Times

He welcomed Bin Laden's death as "a significant step forward" and called on Pakistan to take steps against groups that harmed innocent civilians.

The New York Times

So I'd best see if I can at least personally take steps against this and resist the urge to argue with my family this Christmas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

European allies expect more concrete evidence than the volume of calls before taking steps against Hezbollah.

The New York Times

Taking steps against it could make unpopular governments even more suspect.

The New York Times

It's about taking steps against the bankers, corporations and people trampling all over human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If India took steps against those who kill us, maybe the people of Kashmir would be willing," he said.

The New York Times

Several countries have taken steps against the practice in recent years, which the Senate committee assessed in presenting its findings.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take steps against", clearly specify what actions are being taken and what they are intended to prevent. For example, "The company is taking steps against data breaches by implementing multi-factor authentication."

Common error

Avoid using "take steps against" without specifying the actual steps. Simply stating that measures are being taken isn't informative; detail the specific actions being implemented to ensure clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take steps against" functions as a verb phrase expressing the initiation of actions to prevent or mitigate a negative outcome. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take steps against" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates proactive measures to address potential risks or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for formal and informal contexts. Its prevalence in news and media reflects its utility in conveying actions aimed at preventing negative outcomes. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the actions being taken to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "take action against" and "implement measures against" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action against

Focuses on the act of doing something to counter a problem.

implement measures against

Emphasizes the systematic application of specific actions.

adopt safeguards against

Highlights protective actions.

initiate precautions against

Stresses the anticipatory nature of the actions.

undertake preventative measures against

Combines the idea of starting and the goal of prevention.

move to counteract

Focuses on opposing or neutralizing an effect.

act in opposition to

Highlights actions taken to oppose or resist something.

counteract the effects of

Specifically aims to reduce or nullify the impact of something.

mitigate the impact of

Emphasizes reducing the severity or impact.

prevent the occurrence of

Focuses on stopping something from happening at all.

FAQs

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

Use "take steps against" to describe proactive measures aimed at preventing or mitigating a negative outcome. For example, "The city is "taking steps against" pollution by investing in public transportation".

What are some alternatives to "take steps against"?

You can use alternatives such as "take action against", "implement measures against", or "adopt safeguards against" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "take steps against" and "take measures against"?

While similar, "take steps against" often implies a more deliberate and planned approach, whereas "take measures against" can refer to more immediate or reactive actions. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "take steps against" in formal writing?

"Take steps against" is appropriate in formal writing when discussing proactive strategies or policies aimed at addressing potential problems or risks. It conveys a sense of planning and intention to prevent negative outcomes.