taking steps toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking steps toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing progress or actions being taken to achieve a goal or objective. Example: "The company is taking steps toward reducing its carbon footprint by implementing sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Taking Steps Toward Equal Pay Understanding causes of the gender pay gap is the key to achieving pay equity going forward.

Huffington Post

Both TTIP and TPP are taking steps toward regulatory harmonisation.

The Economist

But the authorities have begun taking steps toward extending the vote to more overseas Malaysians.

The New York Times

But the authorities have begun taking steps toward extending the vote to more Malaysians overseas.

The New York Times

However, he said, the administration was also committed to taking steps toward shrinking America's debt.

The New York Times

It is admirable that Chisholm is taking steps toward righting these wrongs.

The New Yorker

Instead of taking steps toward economic equality, they got the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Federal Aviation Administration is taking steps toward helping airports buy equipment that will spot dangerous debris on their runways.

The New York Times

But it is taking steps toward restoration, with a $3 million renovation in progress on the exterior.

The New York Times

Yet with the support of the public-private growth councils, some towns are taking steps toward regional tax-sharing.

The New York Times

His message was viewed positively by the Egyptian state news media, despite the criticism, because they claimed he credited the government with taking steps toward democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always clarify what goal or objective is being approached. The phrase requires a clear direction: "taking steps toward a sustainable future" is much more informative than simply "taking steps".

Common error

Avoid using "taking steps toward" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "Steps are being taken toward X", opt for "The organization is taking steps toward X" to create a more active and direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking steps toward" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun, often describing an action in progress. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase, indicating its established role in English grammar. It appears in examples describing a range of ongoing efforts, such as "taking steps toward economic equality" or "taking steps toward democracy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taking steps toward" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a gerund phrase, denoting an ongoing effort or action aimed at achieving a specific goal. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly professional register. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "working towards" or "progressing towards", the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure the objective is clearly defined and avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. All in all, it's a valuable expression for conveying intentionality and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

working towards

Highlights the effort being put in.

progressing towards

Focuses on the gradual nature of the movement.

making headway towards

Emphasizes progress being made, suggesting movement forward.

advancing towards

Implies a continuous forward movement.

moving in the direction of

Less direct, implying alignment with a particular aim.

endeavoring to achieve

More formal, emphasizing the attempt to accomplish something.

pursuing a path to

Suggests following a specific route to reach a destination.

initiating actions for

Highlights the start of activities aimed at a specific outcome.

laying the foundation for

Focuses on building a base for future progress.

gearing up for

More informal, suggesting preparation and readiness.

FAQs

What does "taking steps toward" mean?

The phrase "taking steps toward" means making progress or initiating actions to achieve a particular goal or objective. It implies a series of actions or measures intended to move closer to the desired outcome.

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

You can use "taking steps toward" to describe actions that contribute to a larger goal. For example, "The company is "working towards" /sustainability by "implementing eco-friendly practices"" or "The government is "progressing towards" peace negotiations by engaging in dialogue with all parties involved".

What are some alternatives to "taking steps toward"?

Alternatives to "taking steps toward" include "making progress toward", "working towards", "advancing towards", or "moving towards". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "take steps toward" or "taking steps toward"?

Both "take steps toward" and "taking steps toward" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Take steps toward" is an imperative or infinitive phrase, used to give a command or express a general action. "Taking steps toward" is a gerund phrase, functioning as a noun, often used to describe an ongoing process.