take steps toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take steps toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing actions or measures being implemented to achieve a goal or objective. Example: "To improve our environmental impact, we need to take steps toward reducing our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It also permitted banks and telecoms firms to take steps toward operating in Cuba.

The Economist

Over 150 states have voted in the UN General Assembly to take steps toward making such a treaty a reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Obama administration should emphasise unconditional negotiations and take steps toward creating a nuclear weapons-free Middle East.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But," he added, "if Taiwan does take steps toward independence, we'll surely just have to give them a beating".

The New York Times

We should tell the Taiwanese that if they take steps toward independence that we would reconsider the Taiwan Relations Act.

The New York Times

Myanmar's neighbors should pressure President Thein Sein of Myanmar to take steps toward the settlement of the Rohingya community, Mr. Singh said.

The New York Times

Under the agreement, the Senate would also take steps toward relinquishing the right to confirm hundreds of midlevel administration nominees and those appointed to part-time advisory positions.

The New York Times

The general managers also agreed to take steps toward adopting a hybrid icing rule next season to reduce races to the puck that have resulted in severe injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

He also said he wanted the Legislature to address climate change and take steps toward permitting "limited and highly regulated casinos".

The New York Times

The aid that the administration is holding back, officials said, could be restored if Egypt's interim leaders take steps toward restoring democracy.

The New York Times

Student leaders backed by thousands of mainly young Chinese had been urging the Communist Party to attack official corruption, expand citizens' rights and take steps toward democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take steps toward", ensure that the actions you're describing are concrete and contribute directly to the desired outcome. Avoid vague statements about intentions without specifying the actual steps.

Common error

Avoid using "take steps toward" when the actions are insignificant or have minimal impact on the overall goal. Ensure the steps are meaningful and substantial, not just symbolic gestures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take steps toward" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of actions or measures aimed at achieving a specific goal or objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take steps toward" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the process of initiating actions aimed at achieving a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. It is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though ensuring that the actions described are meaningful and directly contribute to the desired outcome is crucial. Alternatives include "move closer to" and "make progress toward", offering similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress toward

Emphasizes advancement and forward movement in achieving something.

work towards

Highlights the effort and labor involved in pursuing a specific aim.

move closer to

Focuses on reducing distance to a goal rather than the actions taken.

advance toward

Stresses the proactive and forward-moving nature of the actions.

strive for

Indicates a dedicated and ambitious attempt to reach a certain objective.

endeavor to

Implies a serious and determined effort to accomplish something.

pursue a path to

Focuses on following a specific route or method to achieve a goal.

initiate efforts for

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of a dedicated effort.

undertake measures for

Highlights the formal and deliberate nature of the actions taken.

set about achieving

Emphasizes beginning and actively working to secure the accomplishment of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "take steps toward" is used to describe actions being implemented to achieve a goal. For example, "The company needs to "take steps toward" reducing its carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "take steps toward"?

You can use alternatives like "move closer to", "make progress toward", or "work towards" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take steps toward" or "make progress toward"?

Both ""take steps toward"" and "make progress toward" are correct, but "take steps toward" emphasizes specific actions, while "make progress toward" focuses on the overall advancement.

What is the difference between "take steps toward" and "achieve"?

"Take steps toward" indicates initiating actions that contribute to a goal, whereas "achieve" means the goal has been fully realized. "Take steps toward" implies ongoing effort, while "achieve" signifies completion.