take steps to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take steps to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the actions or measures one intends to implement in order to achieve a specific goal or task. Example: "In order to improve our customer service, we need to take steps to do better training for our staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

You can still get at it, but you have to take steps to do so.

The New York Times

Pakistan has begun to take steps to do that, a Pakistani diplomat said today.

The New York Times

"If you are very large and you take steps to do something about that, it's your decision," he said.

The Guardian

"A lot of this is about breaking institutional inertia, and you have to take steps to do that," he says.

The Guardian

"We now know this situation is real and can take steps to do something about it," he said.

The New York Times

There is much the banks could do to improve how the market works, and we hope this report will encourage them to take steps to do so".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nine others are taking steps to do the same.

The New York Times

He took steps to do the same with his school in Harlem.

The New York Times

"They are taking steps to do so, but we have some concerns," he said.

The New York Times

"People ask me: 'How are you going to avoid Britain and the British taxpayer bailing out banks in the future?' This government is taking steps to do that.

The Guardian

Though an internal investigation recommended in 2002 that the office make changes to ensure it has the legal authority to test banks' compliance with sanctions, it has not taken steps to do so, according to the letter, obtained by The Associated Press.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take steps to do", ensure that the action following 'to do' is specific and measurable. This clarifies the intention and makes the sentence more impactful.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "take steps to do" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. In such scenarios, consider using simpler alternatives like "try to" or "work towards" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take steps to do" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a specific action or a series of actions taken to achieve a particular outcome. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe proactive measures aimed at resolving issues or achieving objectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take steps to do" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of implementing actions to achieve a specific outcome. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media contexts. While the phrase is suitable for professional and formal communication, it may be less appropriate for very informal settings. When using "take steps to do", ensure that the action is specific and measurable to enhance the impact of the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take action to

Focuses on the act of initiating something, emphasizing the beginning of a process rather than the continuous effort.

make an effort to

Highlights the exertion of energy and dedication, implying a conscious and potentially difficult undertaking.

endeavor to

Suggests a more formal and earnest attempt, often used in professional or academic contexts.

strive to

Implies persistent and dedicated effort, suggesting overcoming obstacles.

seek to

Emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the action, focusing on the goal being pursued.

aim to

Highlights the goal or objective, suggesting a strategic and focused approach.

work towards

Focuses on the process of gradual progress, indicating ongoing efforts towards a specific outcome.

try to

Indicates a less formal and potentially experimental approach, suggesting a willingness to attempt something without a guarantee of success.

make a move to

Implies a strategic or calculated action, often used in competitive situations.

move to

Suggests an immediate action, with a lower degree of commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "take steps to do" to describe actions implemented to achieve a goal. For example, "The company will "take steps to do" a better job at training new employees."

What are some alternatives to "take steps to do"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "make an effort to", "try to", or "work towards".

Is it better to say "take steps to do" or "take steps in doing"?

"Take steps to do" is generally preferred because it uses the infinitive form, which is more grammatically correct and widely accepted. "Take steps in doing" is less common.

What is the difference between "take steps to do" and "take measures to"?

While similar, "take measures to" often implies more formal or official actions. "Take steps to do" can be used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate actions taken toward a goal.