taking any steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking any steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is actively pursuing an action of some kind. For example, "We are taking any steps possible to minimize the impact of the pandemic on our business operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

We're not taking any steps backwards".

The New York Times - Sports

"Neither the government nor the police are taking any steps".

The New York Times

But one couple is having trouble taking any steps at all.

The Economist

"You would think they would be taking any steps possible to reach an accord with the tenants and get going on a rehab job," he said.

The New York Times

And members of Congress are wary of taking any steps that could infuriate the Internet lobby, which scored a surprise victory against would-be antipiracy laws last month.

The New York Times - Tech

Instead, "we need to fix the system," she said, but the government and police are not taking any steps to do so.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Others opposed taking any step without Secretary Powell's approval.

The New York Times

Think 10 times before taking any step.

WikiHow

"They haven't taken any steps".

The New York Times

I wouldn't take any steps.

The Guardian - Sport

Have you taken any steps yourself to keep cool?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "taking any steps", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or goal of those steps to provide a complete and understandable picture.

Common error

Avoid using "taking any steps" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "No steps were being taken", opt for a more direct and active statement like "They were not taking any steps" to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking any steps" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of actions or measures. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and usable in written English. Examples show its application across various contexts, from political decisions to personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking any steps" is a versatile phrase used to describe the initiation of actions or progress towards a goal. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While it appears most frequently in News & Media, it is suitable for neutral and informal contexts. The related phrases and writing guidance provided offer valuable insights for nuanced usage. Remember to ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose of the steps and avoid overly passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking action

Focuses more directly on initiating action, sometimes implying a more decisive move.

making progress

Emphasizes forward movement and improvement, rather than just initiation.

moving forward

Highlights the continuation of progress, implying a direction.

proceeding with

Suggests a more formal or planned advancement.

advancing towards

Indicates movement toward a specific goal or target.

embarking on

Implies a significant or adventurous start.

initiating measures

Focuses on the implementation of specific actions or policies.

undertaking efforts

Highlights the dedication and work involved in the action.

implementing strategies

Emphasizes the use of planned methods to achieve an outcome.

setting in motion

Highlights the act of beginning a process or plan.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "taking any steps" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "initiating measures", "undertaking efforts", or "implementing strategies" which convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What's a more casual way to say "taking any steps"?

In a more informal context, you might use phrases like "taking action" or "moving forward" which are less formal and more direct.

Is "taking any steps" the same as "taking action"?

While similar, "taking action" generally implies a more decisive or impactful move. "Taking any steps" can refer to smaller, incremental actions as well. It depends on the context.

What does it mean when someone says they are "not taking any steps"?

It means they are not initiating any action or making any progress toward a particular goal. This could be due to hesitation, opposition, or a lack of resources. Alternatives could be "not taking action" or "remaining idle".