took step forward

USAGE SUMMARY

"took a step forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe an action or advancement in a particular situation. For example, "After months of negotiation, the two sides in the dispute finally took a step forward and appeared to be on the path to an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I took steps forward and out of the dark a shape ran at me," he said.

The Guardian

Until then, Martin will continue to take steps forward.

The New York Times - Sports

"This special session is supposed to take steps forward".

The New York Times

"At some point, he's got to take steps forward".

The New York Times - Sports

"Sometimes, you have to take a few steps back to take steps forward," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought I was taking steps forward and I was always taking two steps back.

Independent

"The Day He Arrives" marks a step forward for an artist who keeps taking steps forward.

The New Yorker

After a year, Ms. Jenkinson had taken steps forward, and steps back.

The New York Times

South Africa, Mozambique and Senegal are among those countries taking steps forward, even as others falter.

The New York Times

"They have not taken steps forward, but they have not taken steps backward," Mr. Smith said of Bush officials.

The New York Times

"I think as people learn the facts there will be an important opportunity for us to take steps forward".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took step forward" when you want to emphasize a specific action that contributes to progress, rather than simply stating that progress was made.

Common error

Avoid using "took step forward" in every instance of progress. Sometimes, simpler verbs like "advanced" or "progressed" are more concise and effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took step forward" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a specific action of advancement or progress. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct way to describe movement towards a goal. Examples in the search results demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took step forward" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe making progress or advancement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it finds frequent use in news and sports contexts, providing a neutral register appropriate for diverse audiences. To diversify your writing, consider alternatives like "made progress" or "advanced further". Remember to use "took step forward" to highlight specific actions contributing to positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made progress

Focuses on the advancement achieved rather than the specific action of stepping.

advanced further

Emphasizes the extent of the advancement.

moved ahead

Highlights the forward direction of the action.

gained ground

Implies progress made against some resistance or competition.

improved slightly

Highlights the degree of positive change.

developed further

Emphasizes on growth or evolution.

progressed onwards

Highlights the continual movement forward.

achieved headway

Focuses on the accomplishment aspect of the forward movement.

came closer

Highlights reducing the distance to an end goal.

extended reach

Indicates expansion or increased influence as a result of moving forward.

FAQs

How can I use "took step forward" in a sentence?

You can use "took step forward" to describe a specific action that contributed to progress or advancement. For instance, "The company "took a step forward" by implementing new marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "took step forward"?

Alternatives include "made progress", "advanced further", or "moved ahead", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "took a step forward" or "made a step forward"?

"Took a step forward" is generally more common and natural-sounding than "made a step forward". The verb "take" is typically used to describe the action of advancing.

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

"Took a step forward" refers to a singular instance of advancement, while "took steps forward" implies multiple actions contributing to overall progress. For example, "The team "took a step forward" with the new software update," versus "The team "took steps forward" to improve their communication skills."