as a next step vs as the next step

Both "as a next step" and "as the next step" are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "As a next step" is more general and can refer to any subsequent action. Meanwhile, "as the next step" is more specific and implies a single, predetermined action.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: July 16, 2024

as a next step

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate a general subsequent action that will be taken.

Examples:

As a next step, we will review the feedback from the focus group.
As a next step, I plan to conduct a thorough analysis of the data.

Show examples from the web [+]

I want to put a suggestion to you as a next step.
As a next step, it has to be assessed whether the measure confers an advantage to the beneficiary.
As a next step, the Appointing Authority should proceed to the adoption of the final list of officials authorised to follow the mandatory training programme in 2010.
As a next step, it is our intention to develop a road map before the end of this year containing concrete actions with firm deadlines in order to start putting a European information security policy in place.
The last i2010 - Annual Information Society Report 2007 confirms the Commission's intention to outline, as a next step, its vision for the 2008 eInclusion initiative.
Following implementation, assistance actions will be taken as a next step:
WELCOMES AND SUPPORTS the document on the European Space Policy, presented as a proposal of the ESA Director General and as a Communication of the European Commission, as a next step in establishing a coordinated and effective European space effort at the service of the European citizens,
As a next step, the EPC should further clarify the procedure for PEACH assessment.
As a next step, it would recommend that the European Commission, together with the directorates-general concerned, draw up an additional international adult learning action plan.
As a next step, this reduced format matrix can be disaggregated to show the full sequence of accounts, including details for transactors and transaction categories.
As a next step it is useful to specify the expectations the legislator has to face in the area of RFID:
As a next step, the topics of the 1996 WTO ministerial round in Singapore must be tackled: trade and investment, trade and competition policy, public procurement and trade liberalisation.
As a next step, this project provides for an outreach to up to seven States not parties to the BTWC, either in the form of targeted country assistance or sub-regional workshops, in order to achieve the objectives and results of this project.
As a next step, it is then possible to calculate the median, average and weighted average of the EV and EV/share over the 44-month period.

Alternatives:

as the next step
as the following step
as the subsequent step
as the next course of action
as the next move

as the next step

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to refer to a specific, predetermined action that will be taken next.