take the first steps

USAGE SUMMARY

'take the first steps' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to taking the initial actions or steps towards achieving something. For example, "If we are serious about improving our community, we must take the first steps today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather, Mr. Rajoub said, Israel should take the first steps.

The New York Times

He helped the country take the first steps toward recovery from its decades-long civil war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thanks to your parents, you take the first steps to wealth.

The Economist

"We have to take the first steps to make it a reality".

The New York Times - Tech

We've already started to take the first steps in our expansion outside the UK.

The Guardian

Congress can take the first steps in that investment with passage of this bill.

The New York Times

But, she said, he would find it difficult to take the first steps toward reconciliation.

The New York Times

Only now can we truly take the first steps in getting our lives back on track".

The Guardian

But at least one tribe, the St . Regis Mohawks has begun to take the first steps toward developing a casino.

The New York Times

Walking is irresistible once you take the first steps on the long curling pavement that is a Danish country road.

The New York Times - Travel

Moreover, it's largely up to Congress, not the courts, to take the first steps toward greater regulation of campaigns.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take the first steps", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subsequent steps might be, providing a sense of direction and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "take the first steps" without specifying what those steps are or what they lead to. Vague usage can make your writing sound uncommitted and directionless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the first steps" functions as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It indicates the action of beginning a process or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take the first steps" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies initiating action or beginning a process. As Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples demonstrates, this phrase appears across a broad spectrum of sources, including news media, scientific publications, and formal business communications. While grammatically straightforward and widely accepted, it's important to ensure clarity in usage by specifying what those initial steps entail and what goals they are intended to achieve. By understanding its function, purpose, and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "take the first steps" to convey a sense of progress and direction in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the process

Focuses on the commencement of a procedure rather than individual actions.

initiate action

Highlights the start of activity, emphasizing the act of starting.

start the ball rolling

An idiomatic alternative that suggests setting an endeavor in motion.

get the ball rolling

Similar to "start the ball rolling" but with a slightly more active tone.

kick things off

An informal idiom that implies starting something, often an event or project.

set in motion

Emphasizes the act of causing something to begin moving or progressing.

embark on

Suggests beginning a journey or endeavor, often one that is significant or challenging.

launch the initiative

Highlights the formal commencement of a specific plan or project.

make a start

Simple and direct, indicating the act of beginning something.

commence operations

Suggests beginning a task or set of tasks, generally in business or strategic environment.

FAQs

How can I use "take the first steps" in a sentence?

You can use "take the first steps" to describe the beginning of a process or journey. For example, "To solve this problem, we must "take the first steps" towards a better understanding of the root causes".

What are some alternatives to "take the first steps"?

Alternatives include "begin the process", "initiate action", or "start the ball rolling", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it better to say "take the first step" or "take the first steps"?

Both are correct, but "take the first step" usually refers to a single, initial action, while ""take the first steps"" implies a series of initial actions.

What is the difference between ""take the first steps"" and "make a start"?

"Take the first steps" often suggests a more considered and planned approach, while "make a start" can imply a more immediate and less structured beginning.