in the first step vs In a first step

Both 'in the first step' and 'in a first step' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In the first step' is used when referring to a specific initial action in a sequence, while 'in a first step' is used when talking about any initial action without specifying a particular one.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1186 views

in the first step

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific initial action in a sequence.

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize a particular action that is the first in a series of steps or actions.

Examples:

In the first step of the experiment, mix the two chemicals together.
In the first step of the recipe, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Show examples from the web [+]

A Specification will not be available in the first step.
This enzyme is involved in the first step of the production of glycosphingolipids.
The review procedure is essential to improve the quality of a PEF study, therefore it needs to be defined in the first step of the process, i.e. in the goal definition.
In the first step, proposals shall be assessed by at least two independent experts, who review both technical and market aspects of the proposal.
In the first step the error value of the power is to be determined as a standard deviation being equivalent to a confidence interval of 68 %.
In the first step, the central government borrows money from the MFI:
In the first step, which should start applying 4 years after the dates of mandatory application of the Euro 6 standards, a conformity factor of 2,1 should apply.
In the first step, the TSOs participating in a review of bidding zone configuration shall develop the methodology and assumptions that will be used in the review process and propose alternative bidding zone configurations for the assessment.
The basic monthly salary of a temporary agent in the first step at AD 9 level, before any deductions or allowances, is approximately EUR 6640.
It shall be effected by classifying such contract staff in the first step of the next higher grade.
An official dismissed for incompetence shall, for the period defined in paragraph 7, be entitled to a monthly dismissal allowance equal to the basic monthly salary of an official in the first step of grade 1.
In the first step the Commission adopted a proposal for a Directive amending the Directives linked to supplementary supervision, in particular Directives 98/78/EC, 2002/87/EC and 2006/48/EC.
In the first step, a regression analysis has been carried out to identify the impact of a change in the airport's passenger numbers on the airport's operating costs.
Within their grade, such contract staff shall be recruited in the first step.
In the second step, the estimate of the additional operating costs as a result of the Ryanair agreements was derived from the results in the first step combined with forecasts of the number of Ryanair passengers.
(2) In the first step it is convenient to fix the data concerning information on the registration of holdings with porcine animals.

Alternatives:

at the beginning
as the initial step
as the first action
as the starting point
as the opening move

In a first step

This phrase is correct and is used when talking about any initial action without specifying a particular one.

This phrase is more general and can be used when discussing the concept of taking an initial action without focusing on a specific step.