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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
A few more steps
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase 'a few more steps' is correct and can be used in written English
You can use it when you want to indicate that there is a relatively small amount of effort left to reach a goal or finish a task. For example, "We're almost done painting the house; we just need to take a few more steps before we can call it complete."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Now, a few more steps.
News & Media
A few more steps.
News & Media
But a few more steps remain.
News & Media
Finishing the prototype RRAM required a few more steps.
Academia
Mr. Avila turned and took a few more steps.
News & Media
In her view, there are just a few more steps.
News & Media
That's a few more steps than it needs to be.
News & Media
A few more steps and he would have made it.
News & Media
Just a few more steps and I'm there, I'm home.
News & Media
They reckon that only a few more steps are needed for an agreement.
News & Media
We just have to walk a few more steps and then we'll be there".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When writing instructions, use "a few more steps" to encourage readers that the process is almost complete but some final actions remain.
⚠ Common error
While "a few more steps" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language when describing specific procedures.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a few more steps" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the extent or degree to which an action is carried out. It suggests a continuation of progress towards a goal. Ludwig confirms the phrase's common usage.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
68%
Academia
15%
Science
7%
⚠ Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a few more steps" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that progress has been made and the completion of a task is near. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial phrase and is primarily used to encourage further action. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal contexts, opting for more precise language instead. The phrase is very common across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, suggesting its widespread acceptability. To enhance writing, consider related phrases such as "a couple more steps" or "several additional steps" for slight variations in meaning. The phrase is helpful in situations where you want to emphasize the remaining effort needed to reach a goal.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a couple more steps
Replaces "few" with "couple", indicating a slightly smaller quantity but maintaining the same meaning.
some further steps
Replaces "more" with "further", indicating continuation but maintaining similar meaning.
several additional steps
Substitutes "few" with "several" and "more" with "additional", suggesting a slightly larger quantity of steps.
a handful of extra steps
Uses a more figurative expression "a handful of" in place of "a few", indicating a small quantity.
a small number of additional steps
More formal way of saying "a few more steps".
just a bit further
This phrase focuses on distance rather than discrete steps, implying a similar meaning of nearing completion.
FAQs
How can I use "a few more steps" in a sentence?
You can use "a few more steps" to indicate that a process or task is nearing completion, but there are still some actions required. For example, "We're almost finished, just "a few more steps" and we're done."
What can I say instead of "a few more steps"?
You can use alternatives like "a couple more steps", "several additional steps", or "some further steps depending on the context".
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a few more steps"?
It is appropriate to use "a few more steps" in situations where you want to convey that progress has been made and the goal is within reach, but some actions are still needed to complete the task. Avoid in highly formal documents.
Is "a few more steps" suitable for formal writing?
While generally acceptable, "a few more steps" might be considered informal for highly technical or academic contexts. Consider using more precise language like "additional procedures" or "remaining actions" in those cases.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested