took one step further

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took one step further" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of someone doing something to a greater degree. For example: "The scientist took his research one step further and discovered a new breakthrough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In January, Trump took one step further.

The New Yorker

"The Future of Brain Implants", psychologist Gary Marcus and neuroscientist Christof Koch took one step further, unfolding a future where a chip can be implanted into healthy brains to achieve superpower.

Harvard University

I took one step further and called some Congressmen personally.

TechCrunch

Here, we took one step further and performed scans in all systems available using a single phantom that would best challenge the PET/CT system design.

EJNMMI Physics

If he took one step further, the immediate consequences of his brinksmanship wouldn't help his effort to do it again, and possibly again after that.

Huffington Post

Taking advantage of recently developed combined bioluminescence fluorescence time-lapse microscopy, we took one step further and analysed the oscillator profiles in synchronised beta and non-beta cells.

Diabetologia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To take one step further toward a normative conclusion, we rely on two findings.

Harvard University

But this should be taken one step further.

The Guardian

Taking one step further, online auction e-marketplace adopted software agent technology in the bidding process.

Procedia Technology

This argument can, and probably should, be taken one step further.

The New Yorker

Rechtwijzer has taken one step further to enhance its services from diagnosing and referral, into dispute-solving in Rechtwijzer 2.0.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took one step further" to clearly indicate progression beyond a previous action, idea, or state. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being advanced or built upon.

Common error

Avoid using "took one step further" when the advancement is minor or insignificant. The phrase implies a noticeable and meaningful progression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took one step further" functions as a verb phrase that signifies an advancement or progression beyond a previous action or state. Ludwig examples show its use in describing concrete actions like 'performed scans' to abstract notions, such as 'normative conclusions'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took one step further" is a versatile phrase used to express meaningful progression or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across various domains, including news, academia, and science. While it's best suited for indicating notable developments, avoiding its use for minor advancements will enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "advanced further" or "carried it further" can provide nuanced expressions of similar ideas. By understanding its function and appropriate context, you can effectively use "took one step further" to articulate progression in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developed further

Highlights the process of elaboration and refinement, indicating progress in understanding or execution.

built upon that

Suggests using a previous foundation or achievement as a starting point for further advancement and expansion.

carried it further

Implies extending an idea or action, often suggesting a continuation to a greater degree or more complex stage.

pushed it further

Conveys a sense of effort and determination in advancing an idea or action, suggesting overcoming resistance or challenges.

advanced further

Indicates a more general progression or movement forward, applicable in a broader range of contexts than the original phrase.

went the extra mile

Emphasizes exceeding what is expected or required, demonstrating dedication and commitment to achieving a superior outcome.

extended beyond that

Highlights surpassing a specific limit or boundary, adding emphasis on exceeding expectations or previous constraints.

refined it

Implies improving or perfecting something through careful adjustment and attention to detail, suggesting a move toward greater precision.

elevated it

Signifies raising something to a higher level of importance or quality, suggesting a significant improvement or enhancement.

reached a new height

Focuses on achieving a higher level of success or attainment, highlighting a significant accomplishment or milestone.

FAQs

How can I use "took one step further" in a sentence?

You can use "took one step further" to describe an action that advances or builds upon a previous action or idea. For example, "The company "developed the product", and then "took one step further" by adding new features".

What are some alternatives to "took one step further"?

Some alternatives to "took one step further" include "advanced further", "carried it further", or "developed further". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "taken one step further" instead of "took one step further"?

Both "took one step further" and "taken one step further" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Took one step further" is the past simple tense, while "taken one step further" is used with auxiliary verbs like "has" or "have" to form the present perfect tense (e.g., "He has taken it one step further").

What's the difference between "took one step further" and "went above and beyond"?

"Took one step further" implies building on an existing action or idea, while "went above and beyond" signifies exceeding expectations or going beyond what is required. The former is about progression, the latter about exceeding norms.