taking the next step

USAGE SUMMARY

"taking the next step" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to moving forward or progressing in a process or journey. Example: "After completing his undergraduate degree, John knew it was time to take the next step and pursue a graduate degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He, too, resisted taking the next step.

The New York Times

"This is about them taking the next step," he said.

The New York Times

But the decision did not foreclose taking the next step.

The New York Times

Now he says he is taking the next step: he has started a record label.

The New York Times

Still, Perrilloux, like all practice squad players, holds out hope of someday taking the next step.

The New York Times - Sports

She said she was excited about taking the next step in her career.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a way of pushing it forward and taking the next step".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I better take the next step".

The New York Times

Two weeks ago, the Coopers took the next step.

The New York Times

Now they've taken the next step".

The New York Times

"We need to take the next step.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking the next step" to clearly indicate a progression or advancement in a process, project, or personal development. It's effective when you want to show movement beyond the current state.

Common error

While useful, "taking the next step" can become repetitive if used too frequently. Vary your language with alternatives like "moving forward" or "progressing ahead" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking the next step" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates progression or advancement, as shown in numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

TechCrunch

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking the next step" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote progression or advancement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a gerund phrase with broad applicability across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and business settings. While highly versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "moving forward" or "progressing ahead" to enhance writing clarity and engagement. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, solidifying its role as a valuable component of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressing forward

Focuses on making progress and improvement.

advancing further

Emphasizes forward movement and progress.

proceeding ahead

Stresses the action of moving forward in a planned manner.

moving onward

Highlights the continuation of a journey or process.

building upon

Highlights the act of adding to existing foundations.

developing further

Suggests growth and expansion in a particular area.

evolving onwards

Implies a gradual and natural progression.

scaling up

Suggests increasing the size or scope of something.

elevating forward

Emphasizes the rise or improvement in status or quality.

deepening progress

Focuses on enhancing the level of progress and impact.

FAQs

How can I use "taking the next step" in a sentence?

You can use "taking the next step" to describe progressing towards a goal. For example, "After mastering the basics, she is "taking the next step" by enrolling in an advanced course".

What are some alternatives to "taking the next step"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "moving forward", "progressing", or "advancing".

Is it correct to say "take the next step" instead of "taking the next step"?

Yes, both "take the next step" and "taking the next step" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Take the next step" is an imperative, while "taking the next step" is a gerund phrase often used as a noun or part of a longer verb phrase.

When should I use "taking the next step" versus "taking the first step"?

"Taking the next step" implies that some progress has already been made, and you are moving further along. "Taking the first step", on the other hand, refers to initiating something new.