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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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A few more steps

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, a few more steps.

News & Media

The New York Times

A few more steps.

News & Media

The Guardian

But a few more steps remain.

News & Media

The New York Times

Finishing the prototype RRAM required a few more steps.

Mr. Avila turned and took a few more steps.

News & Media

The New York Times

In her view, there are just a few more steps.

That's a few more steps than it needs to be.

News & Media

The New York Times

A few more steps and he would have made it.

News & Media

The Guardian

Just a few more steps and I'm there, I'm home.

They reckon that only a few more steps are needed for an agreement.

News & Media

The Economist

We just have to walk a few more steps and then we'll be there".

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

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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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: