very positive step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very positive step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that is beneficial or encouraging in a particular context. Example: "The new policy implemented by the company is a very positive step towards improving employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a very positive step.

The Guardian

"I think it's a very positive step by the president.

The Guardian

The decision "is a very positive step in the process.

The New York Times

In our eyes, this is a very positive step towards innovation.

The Guardian

"This has been a very positive step for our students," she said.

The New York Times

Thanks to them, thousands of British residents broaden their horizons and skills, a very positive step.

The Guardian

"It's a very positive step," said Dr. Toomas Sorra, the president of Concerned Physicians of LICH.

The New York Times

We took that as a very positive step in our editorial on the speech.

The New York Times

If the parents are doing it I think that is a very, very positive step".

Independent

But he called the vote by the co-op "a very positive step" toward "a preservation-and-restoration model".

The New York Times

Making a career change is often a very positive step, but he may not need to retrain.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very positive step" to acknowledge progress or improvement, especially when you want to encourage further action. For instance, in project management, you might say, "Adopting agile methodologies was a "very positive step" toward better efficiency."

Common error

While "very positive step" is generally acceptable, it can sound somewhat generic or understated in highly formal documents. In such cases, consider stronger, more precise alternatives like "significant advancement" or "substantial improvement" to convey a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very positive step" functions as a subject complement or adjectival modifier, describing a noun (often an action or decision) as being beneficial and progressive. Ludwig AI confirms its regular use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very positive step" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey approval and encouragement. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its frequent appearance across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and adjust the wording accordingly, opting for stronger synonyms like "significant advancement" in more formal settings. To enhance your writing, focus on acknowledging progress while using precise language to create an impactful message. Remember, even though the phrase is widely accepted and understandable, you can always improve your communication by considering these points and selecting the most effective words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly encouraging development

Emphasizes the encouraging aspect of the development.

significantly beneficial move

Highlights the advantageous nature of the move.

decidedly advantageous action

Focuses on the favorable nature of the action taken.

remarkably affirmative measure

Emphasizes the positive and supportive nature of the measure.

notably constructive approach

Highlights the building and improving nature of the approach.

particularly favorable decision

Stresses the positive and supportive aspect of the decision.

substantially improved situation

Highlights that it improved the situation.

considerably worthwhile effort

Emphasizes that it's worth the time, effort, or expense.

exceptionally promising start

Focuses on a beginning with strong potential.

tremendously effective strategy

Highlights how well the strategy is working.

FAQs

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

You can use "very positive step" to describe an action or decision that is beneficial or encouraging in a particular situation. For example: "Implementing the new training program was a "very positive step" towards improving employee skills."

What are some alternatives to saying "very positive step"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "highly encouraging development", "significantly beneficial move", or "decidedly advantageous action".

Is it correct to say "a very positive step forward"?

Yes, "a very positive step forward" is grammatically correct and commonly used. The addition of "forward" emphasizes the idea of progress and advancement. However, "a "very positive step"" alone is also perfectly acceptable and often sufficient.

What is the difference between "very positive step" and "positive change"?

"Very positive step" typically refers to a specific action or decision that leads to improvement, whereas "positive change" is a broader term describing a general improvement or shift in a favorable direction. A ""very positive step"" can contribute to a larger "positive change".