"on the first step" vs "at the first step"

Question

"on the first step" vs "at the first step"

Both "at the first step" and "on the first step" are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They can be used interchangeably depending on the context. There is no significant difference in meaning between the two phrases.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is also used to indicate the specific point in a process or sequence where something occurs or begins.

Examples:

On the first step of the staircase, there was a beautiful painting.
He made a mistake on the first step of his plan.

Alternatives:

On the initial step
On the starting point
On the first stage

This phrase is not generally used.

Explanation provided by a TextRanch English expert

Some alternatives from our editors:

in the first step
for the first step
during the first step

Answer 1

on the first step

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

at the first step

This is not correct. Don't use this phrase.

"on the first step" vs "at the first step"

on the first step

at the first step

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