take steps to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'take steps to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of taking action to achieve something. For example: "We must take steps to reduce our water consumption."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Take steps to self publish your book.

WikiHow

We will take steps to defend ourselves".

The Guardian

■ Take steps to slash the sum.

The Guardian - Money

Broadcasters continue to take steps to accommodate advertisers.

The New Yorker

It's important that we take steps to help these players.

The New York Times - Sports

"People here will take steps to protect their neighborhood".

The New York Times

It would also take steps to secure the nation's borders.

The New York Times

But it is sensible to take steps to prevent it.

The Economist

Mr. Burns urged both sides to take steps to reconcile.

The New York Times

Will you take steps to set them right?

The New Yorker

The president continues to take steps to tighten control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take steps to", clearly specify the intended outcome or goal. This provides context and strengthens the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "take steps to" without clearly defining what actions are being taken. Be specific about the measures or procedures involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take steps to" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or objective for performing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It introduces actions designed to achieve a specific outcome, aligning with its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

21%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take steps to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express actions intended to achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal business communications to general informative content. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the steps being taken to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "take action to", "make an effort to", and "aim to" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. The phrase is widely found in News & Media and Wiki sources, further demonstrating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action to

Emphasizes immediate action, slightly more direct.

aim to

Highlights the specific goal or target.

make an effort to

Highlights the exertion of effort in achieving a goal.

seek to

Focuses on the intention or aim to do something.

strive to

Implies a persistent and determined effort.

endeavor to

A more formal way of saying 'try' or 'attempt'.

work towards

Emphasizes sustained effort and progress over time.

move toward

Suggests a gradual progression towards a specific outcome.

set out to

Focuses on initiating a course of action with a specific purpose.

undertake to

Suggests a formal commitment to a task or goal.

FAQs

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

Use "take steps to" when you want to indicate that actions are being or should be implemented in order to achieve a specific goal. For instance, "We must "take steps to" reduce pollution".

What are some alternatives to "take steps to"?

You can use alternatives like "take action to", "make an effort to", or "aim to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take steps to" or "take action to"?

Both ""take steps to"" and "take action to" are correct. "Take action" implies a more immediate or decisive response, while "take steps" suggests a more gradual or planned approach.

What does "take steps to" actually mean?

"Take steps to" means to implement a series of actions or measures designed to achieve a particular goal or outcome. It implies a deliberate and intentional approach to problem-solving or improvement.