very first step

USAGE SUMMARY

'very first step' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the first action of a process. Example: Taking the very first step requires a lot of courage.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is the very first step.

The Guardian

However, the very first step was to refactor the current code base.

Stanford University

Posing objects in their upright orientations is the very first step of 3D shape analysis.

Graphical Models

Professional capabilities are managed and enhanced from that very first step.

The Guardian

And what is the very first step you can take towards making it happen?

The Guardian

"We developed this as the very first step toward suborbital flights.

The New York Times - Tech

The very first step in "responsibly managing" wolves will be a wolf hunt.

The New York Times

It's the very first step in a long series of events".

The Guardian

Still no champion likes chasing the minor places from their very first step.

The Guardian - Sport

Tonight is the very first step for Christie's in China," she said.

The New York Times

The very first step on the long walk is choosing a guide service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a process or giving instructions, use "very first step" to clearly indicate the initiation point and emphasize its importance. For example: The "very first step" in baking a cake is preheating the oven.

Common error

While highlighting the "very first step" is important, don't neglect to provide equal detail and clarity for the following steps. Emphasizing the start is useful, but a process requires a well-defined sequence to be successfully executed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very first step" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the initial action or stage within a process or series of actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very first step" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the beginning of a process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s readily usable in English writing across diverse contexts. While semantically similar phrases like ""initial step"" or ""starting point"" exist, "very first step" adds emphasis to the initial action’s significance. Ludwig's analysis reveals frequent usage in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When writing, be sure to define subsequent steps too, avoiding overemphasis on just the beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial step

Focuses on the beginning action, omitting the intensifying "very" and "first".

first move

Simply denotes the first action taken, without the added emphasis.

starting point

Emphasizes the place or moment where something begins, rather than the action itself.

preliminary action

Highlights the preparatory nature of the initial step.

primary stage

Focuses on the phase or period of initial activity.

inaugural move

Suggests a more formal or significant beginning.

introductory measure

Highlights that the step is an introduction to a larger process.

opening gambit

Implies a strategic or calculated initial action.

groundwork

Emphasizes preparatory nature, setting stage for future actions.

the onset

Highlights the commencement or start of something, often implying the beginning of a longer process or state.

FAQs

How can I use "very first step" in a sentence?

You can use "very first step" to emphasize the importance of an initial action in a process. For example, "The "very first step" in learning a new language is mastering the alphabet."

What are some alternatives to "very first step"?

Alternatives include "initial step", "starting point", or "preliminary action". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very first step"?

While "first step" alone is sufficient, adding "very" emphasizes the significance or priority of that initial action. The redundancy can be effective for highlighting its importance.

What's the difference between "very first step" and "first step"?

The phrase ""very first step"" amplifies the importance and priority of the initial action, compared to simply stating "first step", which is a more neutral description.