two steps away from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two steps away from" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe how close one is to achieving something or completing an action. For example, "I am just two steps away from finishing this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He's two steps away from PTSD".

The Guardian

Moreover, soon after taking office the party took two steps away from trade liberalisation.

The Economist

Unflappably chipper with a bright vocal sound, Ms. Scott, who is pretty and perky, is just two steps away from a stereotypical "dumb blonde".

The New York Times - Arts

Formula Two was approved by the sport's governing body, the FIA, and introduced this year as a low-cost formula two steps away from grand prix racing.

The Guardian - Sport

"I thought about going to Boston — we spoke, we had a conversation, but it never happened," Beltre said after Game 5, adding later, "From my point of view, Texas gave me the best chance to put a ring on my finger, and I am just two steps away from it".

The New York Times - Sports

The Sky Blues do at least have a money-spinning FA Cup third round tie with Tottenham at White Hart Lane to look forward to, while they also find themselves two steps away from Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy after beating Sheffield United on penalties in midweek, but those wider positives could be viewed as negatives in terms of appetite for this game.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Most of the world's thespians are just two or three steps away from our Kevin.

The Guardian - Film

I could actually look at myself like I was maybe five steps away from myself.

The New Yorker

Dole Beach is just ten steps away from the Senate floor, and gets full advantage of the afternoon sun.

The New Yorker

In too many instances, he said, "these people are five steps away from being a danger to the United States".

The New Yorker

Her colleague Cevdet Kiliclar, who managed the relief foundation's Web site, was shot and killed while taking photographs "just three or four steps away from me," she recounted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "two steps away from" to clearly indicate that an achievement or state is very close to being realized. This emphasizes the proximity and makes the goal seem more attainable.

Common error

Avoid using "two steps away from" in overly abstract situations where a more nuanced phrase might be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The solution is two steps away from being perfect", consider "The solution is on the verge of perfection" for a smoother expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two steps away from" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of near-achievement or close proximity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically describing closeness to an objective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "two steps away from" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is very close to being achieved or reached. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of imminence. While alternatives such as "on the verge of" or "close to achieving" exist, "two steps away from" provides a clear and direct way to communicate proximity to a goal or state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of

Focuses on the imminence of an event or state, rather than literal steps.

close to achieving

Highlights the progress made towards a specific goal.

a short distance from

Emphasizes physical proximity in a more general sense.

within reach of

Suggests that something is attainable with a small amount of effort.

on the brink of

Implies a precarious nearness to a significant change, often negative.

nearly at

Highlights near completion of a phase, point or goal.

approaching quickly

Stresses the speed and direction of movement towards a destination.

drawing near to

Indicates a gradual reduction in distance or time.

in close proximity to

Focuses on the closeness of objects or places in a formal way.

a step away from

Reduces the number of steps, which makes it an easier goal to reach.

FAQs

How can I use "two steps away from" in a sentence?

You can use "two steps away from" to indicate how close someone or something is to achieving a goal or reaching a certain state. For example, "The company is two steps away from bankruptcy" or "I am two steps away from finishing my degree".

What phrases are similar to "two steps away from"?

Alternatives include "on the verge of", "close to achieving", or "within reach of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "one step away from" or "two steps away from"?

Both "one step away from" and "two steps away from" are grammatically correct. "One step away from" suggests immediate proximity, while "two steps away from" indicates slightly more distance, but still implies a near completion or achievement.

What's the difference between "two steps away from" and "a mile away from"?

"Two steps away from" implies a very short distance, either literally or figuratively, suggesting a near-certain outcome. "A mile away from", on the other hand, indicates a significant distance or a large gap, suggesting that the outcome is still distant and uncertain.