what steps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone what steps they have taken to accomplish a certain task. For example: "What steps have you taken to complete this project?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What steps have you taken?

The New York Times

What steps did you take?

The New York Times

What steps should be taken?

The Guardian

What steps would they take?

The Guardian - Opinion

Who knows what steps he will take.

The Guardian

What steps to take on certain plays.

The New York Times - Sports

What steps can be taken before a disaster strikes?

The New York Times

What steps should be taken to improve the system?

The New York Times

What steps have you taken, and were they effective?

The New York Times

What steps did you take to protect yourself?

The New York Times

What steps should the government take to improve investor confidence?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When asking "what steps" to take, be specific about the context to elicit targeted and useful responses. For instance, instead of "What steps should I take?" ask "What steps should I take to improve my credit score?"

Common error

Avoid using "what steps" in isolation without specifying the goal or problem. Questions like "What steps are needed?" are too vague. Always clarify the desired outcome to receive relevant advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what steps" functions as an interrogative phrase initiating questions about specific actions or procedures. Ludwig shows it's commonly used to seek advice, understand processes, or inquire about necessary measures in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what steps" is a frequently used interrogative phrase employed to inquire about a sequence of actions necessary to achieve a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in various contexts such as "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business". When using "what steps", ensure clarity by specifying the context or goal to elicit more relevant and targeted responses. Alternatives include phrases like "what measures" or "what procedures", which can add nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what measures

Focuses on specific actions taken to address a situation.

what actions

Emphasizes the deeds or activities performed.

what procedures

Refers to a specific, established sequence of actions.

what interventions

Highlights specific actions taken to improve a situation.

which course of action

Implies a strategic direction or plan.

what plan of action

Suggests a structured approach with defined goals.

what strategy

Highlights the overall approach to achieve a goal.

what methods

Emphasizes the techniques used to achieve a result.

what ways

Focuses on the manner or means of achieving something.

what tactics

Suggests specific maneuvers used to gain an advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "what steps" in a sentence?

Use "what steps" to inquire about a series of actions needed to achieve a particular goal. For example, "What steps are necessary to complete the project on time?"

What's the difference between "what steps" and "what actions"?

"What steps" refers to a sequence of actions, whereas "what actions" can refer to individual or collective deeds. "What steps" implies a process, while "what actions" is more general.

What are some alternatives to asking "what steps"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "what measures", "what procedures", or "which course of action".

Is it more appropriate to use "what steps should be taken" or "what steps should I take"?

The choice depends on the context. "What steps should be taken" is used when asking about general procedures. "What steps should I take" is used when asking for personalized advice.