to make a step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to taking action or making progress towards a goal or objective. Example: "In order to improve our project, we need to make a step towards better communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

We need to make a step forward next year.

The Guardian - Sport

Davies has missed his chance to make a step change.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have to make a step in the passing game to be contenders.

The New York Times - Sports

This report is Spotify's attempt to make a step forward on that front.

The Guardian - Tech

It said that the BBC needed to make a "step change" in simplifying its operations and structure.

The Guardian

France has given £34m and we have got to get our partners to make a step change.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We don't really know whether there is enough bonding to make a step-relationship survive the breakup of the family".

The New York Times

He's going to make a giant step next year".

The New York Times - Sports

"There is an opportunity here to make a meaningful step towards the big society.

The Guardian

"I believe it is not time for Greece to make a similar step in our direction".

The Guardian - Business

"He's got to make a big step forward," Lukas said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make a step" when you want to convey the idea of taking an action that contributes to progress, especially when that action might be small but significant. For example, "To improve your writing, try to make a step each day by writing a paragraph".

Common error

Avoid using "to make a step" in contexts where more direct language would be clearer. Overusing metaphorical "steps" can make your writing sound vague or cliché. For example, instead of saying "we need to make a step in communication", consider "we need to improve communication" or "we need to communicate better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a step" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a larger verb phrase. It describes an action taken to achieve progress or initiate a change. Ludwig examples show it functioning in contexts related to improvement and advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make a step" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe taking action towards progress or improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "to take a step forward" or simply "to advance" exist, "to make a step" offers a versatile and readily understood way to convey the idea of initiating change. However, writers should remain aware of the potential for overuse and opt for more direct language when clarity can be improved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take a step forward

Replaces "make" with "take" and adds "forward" for emphasis on progress.

to move forward

More direct and literal, implying a change in position or status.

to advance

Offers a more concise, single-word alternative focusing on the action of moving ahead.

to progress

Similar to "advance", but emphasizes continuous improvement or development.

to make headway

Focuses on overcoming obstacles and achieving measurable success.

to gain ground

Suggests incremental progress, often in a competitive context.

to improve

Emphasizes the enhancement of quality, performance or condition.

to evolve

Implies a gradual process of change and development over time.

to develop

Highlights growth, maturity, or increased complexity.

to take action

Broader, referring to initiating a course of conduct without explicitly stating any goal

FAQs

How can I use "to make a step" in a sentence?

You can use "to make a step" to describe an action that leads to progress or improvement. For instance, "The company needs "to make a step" towards sustainability to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

What's a more formal alternative to "to make a step"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "to advance", "to progress", or "to move forward", which convey a similar meaning with greater sophistication.

Is "to make a step" interchangeable with "to take a step"?

While similar, ""to make a step"" emphasizes the creation or initiation of progress, whereas "to take a step" might focus more on the action itself. However, in most contexts, they can be used interchangeably.

When is it better to use "to make a step" instead of "to make progress"?

"To make progress" refers to overall advancement, while ""to make a step"" focuses on a specific action contributing to that progress. Use "to make a step" when you want to highlight a particular action as a milestone.