takes steps to

USAGE SUMMARY

"takes steps to" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone's actions or efforts towards achieving a goal or resolving a problem. Example: The government is taking steps to improve the economy by implementing new policies and investing in infrastructure development.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

takes steps to implement individual mandate.

The Washington Post

Google Plus takes steps to further integrate with YouTube.

The New York Times

This method takes steps to suppress unrelated signals.

Construction and Building Materials

This relief will be phased, as Iran takes steps to adhere to the deal.

Independent

A spokeswoman for Verizon said: "Verizon continually takes steps to safeguard our customers' privacy.

The Guardian - Business

Certainly not before it takes steps to bring its own house in order.

The Guardian

And it takes steps to combat fraud on renewable energy credits.

The New York Times

(Silhouette, $6.99). A patriarch takes steps to get his three stubbornly single grandsons married.

The New York Times - Books

Following a groundbreaking survey, MIT takes steps to minimize unwanted sexual behavior.

MIT Technology Review

Rouble surges 10% as the Central Bank of Russia takes steps to restore financial stability.

The Guardian - Business

The company takes steps to prevent its products from getting into the hands of minors, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "takes steps to", ensure the action is concrete and directly contributes to achieving a clearly defined objective. This clarifies the purpose and impact of the steps taken.

Common error

Avoid using "takes steps to" without specifying what those steps are. Vague statements diminish the impact and credibility of the action being described. Always provide details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes steps to" functions as a transitional phrase, linking an actor or entity with the actions they are undertaking. It introduces the purpose or intent behind those actions, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes steps to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe proactive actions toward a defined goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Quality analysis indicates consistent usage and reliability. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify concrete actions and avoid vague statements. While synonyms like "acts to" or ""endeavors to"" provide nuanced alternatives, "takes steps to" remains a versatile and effective way to convey purposeful action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acts to

Focuses on the action itself rather than the preparatory phase.

moves to

Emphasizes progression and direction in the action.

endeavors to

Implies a determined effort to achieve something.

works to

Highlights ongoing effort and labor toward a goal.

strives to

Suggests a continuous and forceful effort to accomplish something.

seeks to

Focuses on the intention and pursuit of a specific outcome.

attempts to

Indicates an effort that may or may not be successful.

proceeds to

Emphasizes moving forward after a certain point.

undertakes to

Implies a formal commitment to start a project or task.

arranges to

Highlights planning and coordination to achieve a specific goal.

FAQs

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

Use "takes steps to" to describe actions someone is performing in order to achieve a specific goal. For example: The company "endeavors to" improve its environmental impact by reducing waste and using renewable energy.

What are some alternatives to "takes steps to"?

You can use phrases like "acts to", "moves to", or ""endeavors to"" depending on the context. Each phrase conveys a slightly different nuance regarding the action taken.

Which is correct: "takes steps to improve" or "takes step to improve"?

"Takes steps to improve" is correct. The phrase typically uses the plural form "steps" to indicate a series of actions rather than a single action. Using "step" would be grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "takes steps to" and "plans to"?

"Takes steps to" indicates that actions are already underway, while "plans to" suggests future intentions without current action. For example, "The city "takes steps to" reduce pollution" means action is being performed right now. "The city "plans to" reduce pollution" means they will do it in the future.