the next step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"the next step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing making progress towards a goal, such as: "We have identified the challenges, now we must take the next step forward towards success".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"What is important for us is that we take the next step forward as a team.

Independent

The next step forward for social gaming is user-generated content.

The Guardian - Tech

"Now we'd like them to take the next step forward with more education and treatment.

The New York Times - Sports

"If he could score another two goals at the weekend that would be the next step forward, wouldn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

What is the next step forward?' Humans need to share their emotions with people, their happiness, their sadness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Gary feels the next step forward to try and break into the England team is to play in the Premier League".

Independent

"The package is a welcome step but only the next step forward in a longer process of freeing up credit and stimulating the economy".

The Guardian - Business

"At that time, we expect it to say he can start taking the next step forward as far as weight distribution," Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said.

The New York Times - Sports

The architects had reason to believe, however, that when the need arose, the political will to take the next step forward could be mobilized.

The Guardian - Business

On top of that, the government has been deeply divided during the past few weeks about the next step forward, with American-backed government troops preparing for a military offensive, while Somali politicians haggle over political posts.

The New York Times

It is equally true that they have hardly honed a cutting edge in attack, but this was never going to be a campaign where England's running and passing, so fruitfully employed in the Six Nations, took the next step forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the next step forward" to clearly indicate a specific action or stage that needs to be taken to achieve a goal. It provides a sense of direction and purpose in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the next step forward" repetitively in a short piece of writing. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "the subsequent stage" or "the coming advancement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the next step forward" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific action or stage required to advance toward a goal. Ludwig examples confirm its role in illustrating planned actions or future progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the next step forward" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a specific action or stage needed for progress. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "the subsequent stage" or "the coming advancement" to maintain engaging writing. When using the phrase, ensure it clearly identifies the intended action and contributes to the overall clarity of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the subsequent stage

Focuses on the sequential nature of progress, highlighting what comes immediately after.

the coming advancement

Emphasizes that the advancement is impending or in the future.

the future progression

Highlights the act of moving forward over time.

the approaching development

Stresses that the development is getting closer.

the following move

Implies a strategic action or maneuver is coming next.

the immediate improvement

Focuses on a positive change that will happen soon.

the ensuing progress

Points to the progress that naturally follows a current situation.

the advancing phase

Highlights a stage that propels something further.

the unfolding evolution

Emphasizes a gradual process of change and development.

the developing breakthrough

Suggests an important discovery or achievement is on the horizon.

FAQs

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

You can use "the next step forward" to describe progress. For example, "After successfully completing the initial phase, "the next step forward" is to secure funding for the project".

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

Alternatives include "the subsequent stage", "the coming advancement", or "the future progression", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the next step forward" in formal writing?

Yes, "the next step forward" is appropriate for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. It's commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "the next step forward" and "a step forward"?

"The next step forward" refers to a specific action or stage that follows the current one. "A step forward" is a more general term indicating any kind of progress, without specifying which action.