take tangible steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take tangible steps" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that an individual or group of people take action or steps to accomplish a goal or objective. For example, "The team took tangible steps to ensure the project was completed on time and within budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Yet no one seems to be able to take tangible steps in any direction.

The New York Times

"I simply believe we can take tangible steps to protect workers now".

The New York Times

"Iran will also find an opportunity to take tangible steps to resolve its economic problems resulting from sanctions".

The Guardian

The foreign ministry is a mite less categorical: it says that Pakistan must take "tangible steps" towards ending terrorism before talking again.

The Economist

In a new tactic, SNAP also praised eight bishops who, it said, "have begun to break ranks with their colleagues, and take tangible steps toward healing and prevention".

The New York Times

At a meeting Tuesday with José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, promised "to take tangible steps" on issues "relevant for the stable and independent legal environment," the commission said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He has also taken tangible steps welcomed by the most influential sector among his opponents, the business class.

The New York Times

"As Libya takes tangible steps to address those concerns," Mr. Bush said in a statement to Congress, "the United States will in turn take reciprocal tangible steps to recognize Libya's progress".

The New York Times

While Angola faces many challenges as a result of 30 years of civil war, the government is committed to improving the lives of its citizens and is taking tangible steps to reform its economy.

The New York Times

During his recent trip to Asia, Secretary of State John Kerry outlined the Obama administration's formal position that it will not open negotiations with North Korea unless it takes tangible steps that indicate it is willing to eventually abandon its nuclear weapons program.

The New York Times

CAIRO — In White House meetings beginning Monday, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt is expected to tell the Obama administration that Arab nations want peace, but are unwilling to abide Mr. Obama's call to make good-faith concessions to Israel until Israel takes tangible steps like freezing settlements, an Egyptian official said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "take tangible steps" with a specific goal or outcome to emphasize the purpose and direction of the actions being taken.

Common error

Avoid using "take tangible steps" without specifying what those steps are. This can make your writing seem abstract and lacking in concrete action or planning. For example, instead of writing 'The company will take tangible steps to improve customer satisfaction', specify the actions such as 'The company will offer a 24/7 customer support hotline and implement a customer feedback system'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take tangible steps" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of concrete actions. It emphasizes the practical implementation of measures to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take tangible steps" is a commonly used expression that signals a commitment to concrete action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of practical measures to achieve a specific goal. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the steps are clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "implement concrete measures" or "adopt practical approaches" can offer nuanced variations. When it comes to usage, it's always preferable to "take tangible steps" to avoid sounding awkward or incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement concrete measures

Focuses on implementation, emphasizing the practical nature of the actions taken.

adopt practical approaches

Highlights the adoption of methods that are grounded in reality and effectiveness.

initiate decisive actions

Emphasizes the initiation of actions that are firm and conclusive.

undertake meaningful efforts

Stresses the depth and significance of the efforts being made.

pursue realistic strategies

Highlights the pursuit of strategies that are achievable and well-considered.

make substantial progress

Focuses on achieving significant advancement or improvement.

enact effective solutions

Emphasizes the enactment and implementation of solutions that produce the desired outcome.

apply pragmatic solutions

Highlights the application of solutions that are practical and focused on real-world results.

execute viable plans

Focuses on the execution of plans that are capable of succeeding.

set forth actionable items

Highlights that actionable items are setting in motion or are at least available.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "take tangible steps" in a sentence?

To effectively use "take tangible steps", follow it with specific actions. For instance, instead of saying 'The government needs to take tangible steps', specify it as 'The government needs to "implement new policies" and "allocate resources" to address climate change'.

What are some alternatives to "take tangible steps"?

Alternatives include "implement concrete measures", "adopt practical approaches", or "initiate decisive actions", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "take tangible steps" or "make tangible steps"?

"Take tangible steps" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrase. "Make tangible steps" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

How formal is the phrase "take tangible steps"?

The phrase "take tangible steps" is suitable for both professional and neutral contexts. It is not overly formal but maintains a level of seriousness appropriate for business, news, and academic writing. It can be used in reports, presentations, and articles without sounding out of place.