Meaning & use
taking a step forward
Last updated
Meanings
phraseidiom
making progress or moving closer to a goal
Grammar: Often used after verbs like 'is', 'was', or 'means': This is taking a step forward.
Patterns
- be taking a step forward
- taking a step forward in something
- taking a step forward toward something
Learning to cook for yourself is taking a step forward.
The new policy is taking a step forward in protecting the environment.
After months of practice, she felt she was finally taking a step forward.
phraseidiom
moving one foot forward in a literal sense
Grammar: Used for physical movement; often followed by 'to' or 'toward'.
Patterns
- taking a step forward
- taking a step forward toward someone
The soldier is taking a step forward when the officer calls his name.
Taking a step forward, she reached for the door handle.
He kept taking a step forward, then stopping.
Common combinations
- taking a step forward
- Taking a step forward in your career requires patience.
- taking a big step forward
- The deal is taking a big step forward this week.
- taking a step forward in
- The country is taking a step forward in education reform.
- taking a step forward toward
- They are taking a step forward toward peace.
Synonyms and how they differ
- making progress
- More general; it does not necessarily suggest a single clear advance.
- moving forward
- Often used for continuing a process rather than one specific improvement.
Opposites
Commonly confused: taking a step forward or step forward?
taking a step forward vs step forward
The base form is 'take a step forward'; 'step forward' alone can also mean to volunteer or come forward.
Practice
The new recycling program is ______ in reducing waste.
Choose one answer.
'Taking a step forward' means making progress. 'Taking a step back' would mean moving away from the goal, which does not fit the positive context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “taking a step forward”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.