Meaning
to perform actions that gradually advance a goal
Primary Function
expresses incremental progress or action planning
Communicative Purpose
signals intention to achieve something by performing ordered actions
Pattern
take steps
Core Structure
take steps
Função primária
expresses incremental progress or action planning
Propósito comunicativo
signals intention to achieve something by performing ordered actions
Situações de gatilho
when setting up projects, giving updates on work status, discussing personal improvement plans
Contextos
business meetings, academic reports, everyday conversation about goals
Padrão
take steps
Estrutura central
take steps
Slots de substituição
take immediate steps, take concrete steps, take the necessary steps, take tentative steps
Colocados típicos
- necessary
- concrete
- positive
- tentative
- proactive
Substituições comuns
- take measures
- take action
- move forward
Erros comuns
'do steps' or 'make steps'; correct form is always 'take steps'.
Similar / contraste
take measures (more formal/legal tone); make strides (suggests progress without specifying actions).
Interferências
Avoid translating as direct translations of ‘prendre des mesures’ in French; it carries the same pragmatic nuance but different register.
Família do chunk
- take measures
- make strides
- move forward
- forge ahead
Nuance
Emphasizes deliberate, incremental effort rather than a single large undertaking; implies planning and sequential action.
Efeito pragmático
Conveys responsibility, commitment, and practicality—ideal for professional communication about projects or personal development goals.
Dica de memória
Take steps toward your goal
Nota
This chunk is often used to convey a sense of taking actionable measures to achieve a goal, emphasizing the process rather than the outcome.
Upgrade path
try → make an effort → take concrete steps
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